Rhode Island Beer and Farmer's Markets

Over on the other side of Lug Wrench Brewing, the State of Rhode Island is trying to pass a law that would be a great boon for craft beer brewers and consumers.  The bill (House Bill 7125) was introduced into the state's General Assembly last week which would allow brewpubs to sell the beer they manufacture at farmer's markets. Awesome!  The bill, which is directed at economic development, is offering expanded venues for brewpubs and winegrowers to sell their products. 

There is a discrepancy on how beer and wine are being handles, which irks me.  The proposed bill is very cut and dry for the brewpubs - "brewpub manufacterer's license shall further authorize the sale of beverages manufactured on the (brewpub's) premises at any farmer's market".  However, the winegrowers / farm wineries are getting the same with a little bit of a kicker in the language of the bill - "A wingrower may sell wine or winery products...at retail by the bottle or by the glass for consumption at a farmer's market".  There is no talk about "for consumption" for the brewpub's products (which are called out as typically being sold in growlers).  Could a brewpub bring in a draft system and sell beer by the glass at the farmer's market "for consumption"?  The bill is silent on this, leaving it a bit grey for the beer lovers.

I could grind me teeth about the small details, but if this bill is passed into law, it would certainly bring more good to the craft beer lovers in our state.  If you are a Rhode Island resident and a beer lover (and if you are reading this, you should be!!), contact your local representative and ask for their support on the bill.

Slainte!

-JW


"They who drink beer will think beer."
-Washington Irving

Poll: Brewing Ingredients From Farmers Markets?

Like all our prior blog polls, this post takes a moment to memorialize the results we recieved on the most recent blog poll.  The reader's responses to the question "How often have you bought brewing ingredients from a local farmers market?" are presented below.

Total Votes: 13

I was a bit stunned when these results began coming in.  Farmers markets are thriving these days and people can buy many interesting and curious items at the stalls and stands the line these markets.  During the late summer, such as this, fruits and vegtables of all types are starting to show up (at least here in New England), which creates an even larger bounty of opportunity for brewing. 

Even with that all said, I'll admit that I am one of the 'Never' voters as well.  I'm not sure why, but I have yet to cross my farmers-marketing (if that's a word) with my brewing like so many other voters.  Maybe I don't associate the two.  Maybe processing raw ingredients into brewing ingredients is just enough additional work that I just shrug my shoulders.  I really don't know.

While I resort to the latter, I really do believe in the former.  I would challenge any brewer to think about it the next time they are wandering the rows and aisles - what flavors could I use in my beer/mead/cider that can be found at this particular local market?  Who knows what will come out of it.

Let us know what you think!  And if you are reading this, our next poll is up awaiting your participation.

 

Slainte!

-JW

"Mmmmmm...Beer!"

-Homer Simpson