As the afterglow of the Rhode Island Brew Festival wears off, we turn our attention back to normal affairs of what we’re going to brew next and how to perfect our skills. However, it is worth taking a few moments to talk about some local legislation. H5190 is set for a public hearing before the House Corporations committee in just a few hours (Feb 5, 2013 @5PM). H5190 is a piece of legislation that would legalize the selling of beer and wine at farmers markets (with a special license) and set forth guidelines for a farmer-brewers license.

It is no secret that of the 5 breweries that have opened their doors in the last year and a half, the majority of them started off as homebrewing operations. It should also come as no surprise that most homebrewers also entertain the idea of ‘going pro’ and opening up their own brewery at least once if not every day. A bill such as H5190 would give small start up brewers the tools they need to get product exposure statewide, increase sales and fairly compete with other larger and more established brands.

The Craft Beer movement and the Localvorism movements are intrinsically linked by a few key factors such as quality of products, community support and an implicit rejection of overindustrialization. In short, People in both movements want quality goods produced with honesty by their neighbors. This bill supports that mantra and will provide the citizens of Rhode Island with more access to other options than previously before.

Proponents of the bill will point out that this bill bypasses the well established monolithic three tier system which was created after Prohibition ended. While the three tier system addresses a very practical problem (how to keep everyone supplied) it inherently favors the largest brewing companies. In the vast majority of liquor stores and bars a majority of the shelves stocked with beer are those brands from the 3 largest breweries. This allows independent Craft Beer producers to fight for the remaining 40%. H5190 would not impact the stocking of shelves and would only serve to level the playing field already controlled by large businesses. The selling of local beer and wine at farmer’s markets would allow the consumer to make the decision about which brands they want to support instead of allowing the three tier system dictate what they have access to.

A vote for H5190 would be a vote for small business, local consumers and quality products produced by our neighbors. I and other members of the Rhode Island Brewing Society support H5190 for the reasons stated above. I also recommend that you take the time to familiarize yourself with the proposed legislation and write to your elected representatives to let them know your opinion. You can view the full text here.

Cheers,

-Chris

Valentines day is really just a day for us to reaffirm our love affair with beer and brewing. Sorry to spouses/significant others, we’re cheating on you….with beer.

Our next meeting is February 14th (7:30PM) at Trinity Brew House in Providence. We’ll meet downstairs in the large corner with the banner. If you walk down stairs we’ll be on the right. Feel free to bring your SO’s and just tell them it’s a beer banquet if they argue or ask for a nice dinner out on the town.

Also, only 8 Days until the Rhode Island Brew Festival at the Pawtucket Armory. It’s not too late to get your tickets! If you’re already going, drop by our table to meet a few of us and sample some brews. We’ll also have fun brewing anecdotes and great company to offer.

Winter has definitely set in, we here at RIBS thought it would be in true fashion to celebrate the long cold days by brewing Winter Warmers, Stouts and Porters. It is a well known fact that a bold dark beer goes well by the fire as the snow falls outside. Several months back the group decided that to do quarterly brew-offs where brew beer based on a particular theme/style which we will bring to one of our meetings. At the meeting we will try all the beers made for the challenge and pick our favorite one. This was the first time as group we have competed against each other (in a friendly manner of course). It was a neck and neck battle between a Breakfast stout by Nate and a Milk Stout by Armando. It was Nate who had the last (and tie breaking) vote, which he magnanimously cast in Armando’s favor. Truly a class act. Armando took home first place with his Milk Stout, we had Nate in a close second with his Breakfast Stout.

Armando proudly wearing his badge of honor.

On to some other news, if you haven’t heard, Rhode Island Brew Fest is coming on Feb 2nd to the Pawtucket Armory(right over the Providence line). This is the first RI Brew Fest event, which does make for a nice chaser to Beervana(Rhodes on the Pawtuxet) and the International Beer Festival(RI Convention Center). So far, 30 local craft breweries are signed up for what is promising to be a great inaugural showing. RIBS is honored to be a part of this fantastic event. We will have a booth giving out group information, answering your home brewing questions, (possibly) pretzel necklaces and we will also have a very limited supply of some of our own home brews for sampling. You can get more information about the RI Brew Fest along with tickets at their site. They are also offering Designated Driver tickets at a discounted price which is just one more reason to stay safe. Follow our Facebook, Twitter and G+ for updates from the festival….or better yet, get a ticket and join us!

Till next time, Cheers!

From all of us at the Rhode Island Brewing Society we want to wish you a happy safe holiday season.