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Current Events => General Discussion => Topic started by: Chris_ on August 06, 2011, 08:52:39 AM

Title: Small Beer Brewers Hit With '50 Percent Local' Rule in MA
Post by: Chris_ on August 06, 2011, 08:52:39 AM
Quote
Small beer brewers in Massachusetts were shocked this week, when the state alcohol commission announced a new rule that any "farmer-brewers" in the state must grow at least 50 percent of their beer's hops and grain themselves, or get them from a domestic farm they've contracted with for the purpose.

The alcohol commission says that small breweries who have trouble meeting its criteria for farmer-brewer licenses are "on notice" that they will face scrutiny when their licenses come up for renewal. Those brewers who fall short "are welcome to apply for a manufacturer's license," the commission says.

The Massachusetts Brewers Guild wrote an email to its members about the advisory, saying that "a manufacture's license can cost up to $10,000, as opposed to about $500 for a farmer-brewer license," as quoted by the Worcester Business Journal.
NPR (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/08/05/139031233/small-beer-brewers-hit-with-50-percent-local-rule-in-massachusetts?ft=1&f=1001)

Government: Good for business.
Title: Re: Small Beer Brewers Hit With '50 Percent Local' Rule in MA
Post by: FreeBorn on August 06, 2011, 09:10:53 AM
Hmmm... Where have I heard that sort of "offer" before?

(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTB2WOIsb1KIHSFwCla6lOIypb4ohhTn3GZsY-ljVlRe3pLDtHh)
Title: Re: Small Beer Brewers Hit With '50 Percent Local' Rule in MA
Post by: Odin's Hand on August 06, 2011, 09:16:58 AM
Sam Adams' (Boston Beer Company) lobbyists strike again. Kind of ironic with their namesake...
Title: Re: Small Beer Brewers Hit With '50 Percent Local' Rule in MA
Post by: Chris_ on August 06, 2011, 09:18:49 AM
Sam Adams' lobbyists strike again. Kind of ironic with their namesake...
Am I the only one that doesn't like Sam Adams?  I've tried their light beer and a couple lagers and ales and I just don't like them.

We have similar arguments here with the wine and beer sellers association trying to overturn some of the more archaic laws in the state.
Title: Re: Small Beer Brewers Hit With '50 Percent Local' Rule in MA
Post by: Mr Mannn on August 06, 2011, 09:19:10 AM
Sounds like a few more businesses will be leaving the state...
Title: Re: Small Beer Brewers Hit With '50 Percent Local' Rule in MA
Post by: Odin's Hand on August 06, 2011, 09:24:02 AM
Am I the only one that doesn't like Sam Adams?  I've tried their light beer and a couple lagers and ales and I just don't like them.

We have similar arguments here with the wine and beer sellers association trying to overturn some of the more archaic laws in the state.

It is okay. There are many, better choices out there, IMO.
Title: Re: Small Beer Brewers Hit With '50 Percent Local' Rule in MA
Post by: mamacags on August 06, 2011, 03:10:18 PM
Am I the only one that doesn't like Sam Adams?  I've tried their light beer and a couple lagers and ales and I just don't like them.

We have similar arguments here with the wine and beer sellers association trying to overturn some of the more archaic laws in the state.

I have tried several of their "flavors" and every one of them leaves me with a bottom of an ashtray taste in my mouth.  They all have a stale smoke flavor to me. 
Title: Re: Small Beer Brewers Hit With '50 Percent Local' Rule in MA
Post by: rich_t on August 06, 2011, 03:31:14 PM
Am I the only one that doesn't like Sam Adams?  I've tried their light beer and a couple lagers and ales and I just don't like them.

We have similar arguments here with the wine and beer sellers association trying to overturn some of the more archaic laws in the state.

I've tried several of their offerings.  I haven't found one that I really care for.
Title: Re: Small Beer Brewers Hit With '50 Percent Local' Rule in MA
Post by: Chris_ on August 06, 2011, 05:35:06 PM
I have tried several of their "flavors" and every one of them leaves me with a bottom of an ashtray taste in my mouth.  They all have a stale smoke flavor to me. 
I noticed the same rancid taste regardless of what I was drinking when the "microbrew" fad took off about ten or fifteen years ago.