Feds to Increase Beer Tax?
May 24, 2009
The buzz around Washington D.C. is the Feds are discussing increasing the federal beer tax to earmark the revenue generated for health care. To make matters worse the rumors are that the tax increase would equal about $2.00 for a case of beer that would be taxed to the brewery. That could mean that the brewery may marl up the increased cost to the distributors, who in turn would mark it up again to the consumer.
It seems that so called sin taxes are gaining popularity at the federal and state levels. Does any one remember there history lesson about the Boston Tea Party?
Wisconsin Proposes Beer Tax Increase
April 28, 2009
Lawmakers in the great beer state of Wisconsin are proposing an increase in the beer tax from $2 per barrel to $10. The tax increase amounts to about 3 cents per 12oz beer. The taxes would be earmarked for health related expenses for the residents of Wisconsin.
The Tavern League of Wisconsin opposes the tax increase proposal stating it would result in job losses for the beer industry in Wisconsin.
Utah Legalizes Home Brewing
March 27, 2009
The governor signed into legislation a bill legalizing home brewing in Utah on March 24, 2009. Utah became the 46th state to legalize home brewing since legalization of home brewing beer on the federal occurred in 1978. The only states that have not allowed home brewing legally are Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky.
U.S. Craft Beer Export Increase 25% in 2008
March 19, 2009
It just goes to show you that American made microbrews are really coming into their own. The Brewers Association reported in their annual export survey that U.S. craft beers had an increase of exports of 25% in volume for 2008. The largest increase was in exports to Canada, up 78% in 2008. The U.S. has more breweries than any other country.
Beer Imports Decline
March 16, 2009
According to the Beer Institute, beer imports declined by 2.5% in 2008 from the previous year. I don't know if it's the economy or the increase of quality craft beers brewed in the U.S. Perhaps it's a combination of the two.
Oregon Beer Tax Increase
February 18, 2009
Oregon state legislatures are proposing a tax increase on beer from the current rate of $2.60 a barrel to almost $50.00 per barrel. If my calculator reads correctly that’s more than a 1,900% increase. It seems that since the federal increase on tobacco taxes, the so-called sin taxes are gaining in popularity. With a dominantly democratic controlled state legislature the bill will have a good chance of passing. Oregon microbreweries are up in arms over the proposed bill stating that the bill would cause massive layoffs within their industry. It was stated that a pint of beer would increase form about $4.00 to $5.50. The purpose of the tax is to increase revenue for the Oregon State Health Plan.
Utah to Legalize Home Brews?
February 18, 2009
A bill was introduced in the Utah State Senate to legalize up to 100 gallons of home brewed beer per year. Believe it or not there are still a few states that have laws forbidding home brewed beer. Currently in Utah it is against the law to brew beer at home unless you have a beer manufacturing license. We’ll be following the bills as it progresses and keep you updated.
Kid Rock Beer
February 18, 2009
Michigan Brewing Company announced that they will be coming out with beer branded after Rock music sensation Kid Rock. The details like pricing, type of beer and how many varieties are yet to be determined but the beer will be a craft style beer. Michigan Brewing Company plans on having the new brew available by mid-spring
Beer and Microbrews.com
Beer Reviews
When we review beers we don't go into this fancy diatribe like wine reviews, after all we're beer drinkers, not tea totters. So if you want an honest opinion with out a lot of fancy double talk click here to taste em.
Oktoberfest
Although it’s been a few years since I was at the Oktoberfest, it’s is definitely one of my fondest memories of my stay in Germany. The Oktoberfest in Munich is the granddaddy of all beer fests. Read more....
