Happy New Year to you! With the new year comes new laws, in particular one from California that finally allows free beer tastings in bars and restaurants, as is already legal for wine and spirits. Until now, the only place where breweries could provide samples of their product was in their own tasting rooms. To get a feel for why this law is way past due, think about the last time you went to a Beverages and More and saw a small wine tasting. In the BevMo near me, they hold them just about every Wednesday. Now think about the last time you saw them hold a beer tasting there.
So, this law is good news, but the article I linked to above contains one shocking quote that demonstrates why an innocuous beverage like beer - usually hovering at about 5-6% alcohol on average - is still illegal at tastings while wine - about 9 - 12% ABV on average - is totally accepted. The quote comes from Fred Jones, legal counsel to the Sacramento-based California Council on Alcohol Problems:

“What is the reason behind giving someone 8 ounces of beer free? One could argue that with wineries, each winery is different and every bottle is different depending on age or season. But we’re talking about beer here.” [emphasis mine]

How completely ignorant can you get? Were this 1990 or so, when craft brewing was just beginning to hit the mainstream, I could understand the lack of knowledge this quote demonstrates. But this is now 2007, when craft beers are a major part of the market and served in most bars and restaurants. This is further indication that brewers - homebrewers especially - should continue getting the word out and spreading the joy of beer. It’s literally as easy as inviting your neighbor over for a glass of good homebrew. Sharing a glass of beer opens conversations, especially to folks who are not used to such a wide variety of taste in their beer. It opens their minds in the best way possible and expands their horizons. Not bad for a pint of beer, eh?

So resolve this year to help further the cause of good, tasty beer. You’re guaranteed to make more than a few friends along the way.