Each day, social media finds a new way to be a part of our everyday lives. Not limited to just consumers, it has worked itself into the realm of fine beverage culture and even to companies dating back nearly 150 years. That company is Glenfiddich. Each year, Glenfiddich releases their Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve which is an extremely limited edition single malt Scotch whisky. In years past, the Glenfiddich Malt Master would invite a panel of whisky experts and enthusiasts to join him in tasting and eventually choosing their favorite whisky from a group of pre-selected casks. Their choice would become that year’s Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve.
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The following video discusses the delicate subject of micro distilleries and home distilling. It is no secret that home beer brewing has been legal since the 1970’s. But oddly enough, home distilling is still illegal and punishable by hefty fines and prison sentences.
Authors and moonshine experts, Matthew Rowley and Max Watman, make appearances to discuss the legal ramifications and the advantages of home distilling. The reason home distilling is still illegal points simply to the Prohibition Era issues, mostly regarding taxability of spirits.
Just think of the greatness that has come out in the craft beer movement and all the unique flavors, processes and styles born out of home brewing experimentation. We’re seeing more micro distilleries open across the United States each year. Although the process is costly and complicated, the end result is some extremely nice spirits that impart flavors which are typically missed in commercially distilled liquors. Continue Reading »
Source: OpenSecrets.Org
There is currently a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would give states more authority to regulate alcohol, which in turn would block interstate sales of beer and wine.
“The Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness Act of 2010 would declare it congressional policy that states have primary authority to regulate alcohol. The legislation, filed in April, has 125 co-sponsors in the House, though no companion bill has been filed in the Senate.” — Carrie Levine, The National Law Journal.
Naturally, putting such a squeeze on the open market would limit competition, raise prices, and economically impair small vintners and brewers. Continue Reading »
Election time is fast approaching and the citizens of Washington State are being faced with two initiatives to get the state out of the liquor industry. The one that has received the most press, Initiative 1100, was backed heavily by Costco Wholesale of Issaquah, Washington who has previously lost court battles to be able to distribute alcohol through their own distribution channels, basically disbands the three-tier system. There is also Initiative 1105, which would close state liquor stores and license private parties to sell and distribute spirits. I-1105 has been backed solely by two existing distributors in Washington, Odom Corporation and Young’s Market Company (K&L Beverage Company). Continue Reading »
Oregon has always been a progressive state. For instance, Oregonians had prohibition years before it became a federal law. Now if that isn’t progressive, what else would be? How about if people could make beer, wine, etc. in their own homes, but not share it with friends, enter it into competitions, or walk it over to the local barbecue?
ORS 471.403 is the law that says that Oregon homemade beer and wine must not be taken away from the residence at which it was fermented. This law was recently brought into the stage light when a brewer was inquiring to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission if holding a home brew competition was legal or not. It turned out that it was not, much to everyone’s great dismay. Continue Reading »
Political affairs never cease to amaze me. Especially, when fine beverages are involved.
Venezuela’s extreme leftist leader, President Hugo Chavez, is hell bent on a mission to completely nationalize the country’s economy. In his economic war on Venezuela’s “stateless bourgeoisie”, Chavez has already nationalized dozens of companies, including multi-billion dollar oil projects.
At the moment, Chavez’s main target is Venezuela’s largest privately owned company and biggest beer producer, Empresas Polar. From seizing warehouses and products to threatening to raise taxes on beer, Chavez seems to be doing everything in his power to force Mendoza into the de-privatization of Empresas Polar. Last week, Chavez ordered the military to crack down on businesses selling beer — especially unlicensed retailers and people selling beer out of trucks. Continue Reading »
As if the already existing “beer wars” within the three-tier system in the United States wasn’t bad enough, the state of Pennsylvania has decided to wage its own war with its beer industry.
Pennsylvania does not have the best reputation within the beverage industry. PA residents have been protesting against its wacky beverage laws and strict controls for some time now. Joe Roberts, the very entertaining (and knowledgeable) author of 1WineDude, sums up the the frustration of Pennsylvania residents best in his blog post entitled “I Hate The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.” Here is an excerpt: ”I hate the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. I hate the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. I hate the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. I hate the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. I hate the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. I hate the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.” Continue Reading »
Recently, there has been much concern in the California craft beer industry that a new state Assembly Bill will prohibit brewers from using coffee in the brewing process.
The bill would prohibit the import, production, manufacture, distribution, or sale of caffeinated malt beverages, as defined, at retail locations within the state. This means that beverage institutions would not only be prohibited from making caffeinated malt beverages, they would be completely banned from even entering the state. Continue Reading »
