Looking back on 2015, it was another bright year for craft beer in Georgia, with more of everything — including new breweries opening or in the works and an explosion of imaginative styles, from sour, funky and fruity to boozy and barrel-aged.
But amid much light and creativity, state government once again cast a dark shadow over brewing in the state. And, sadly, that became the biggest story of the year, according to almost every Georgia beer lover I talked to.
In case you missed it, a bill passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor allowed breweries to sell tours at multiple price points and give away product as part of “souvenir” packages. Though it was a convoluted approach to simply being able to sell beer — something that’s considered an ordinary part of the brewing business in other states — it was still a big win for the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild.
Then, months after Georgia breweries invested in new equipment, hired more staff and started conducting tour packages that included the likes of crowlers and growlers, the state Department of Revenue suddenly issued a "bulletin" with a new interpretation of the regulations that essentially nullified the legislation and halted the product give-away s.
If that wasn't sad enough, the AJC obtained records that show the DOR met with representatives of the Georgia Beer Wholesalers Association and gave them inside info on what they were planning to do, but refused to meet with the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild.
“The amount of access and power that the DOR granted the wholesalers smacks of insider politics and completely undermines the work we’ve put in creating a positive and open relationship with the alcohol and tobacco division of the DOR,” Craft Brewers Guild executive director, Nancy Palmer, told the AJC.
As I’ve said before, it’s a shame that Georgia beer drinkers need to spend so much time worrying about the government, instead of just enjoying the state’s growing bounty of breweries and beers.
Getting beyond that frustration, my annual informal poll of Georgia beer aficionados revealed a lot of positive sentiments about 2015 and the future of brewing in the state. Here’s a sample of the comments I received about general impressions and trends.
“The fact that despite all the drawbacks of Georgia beer laws, we have some of the best, forward-thinking beers in the country. Sours. Barrel Aged. Aggressive boutique hopped beers.”
“As a whole, the entire state of Georgia is stepping the brewing game up. This was very evident at the Strong Beer Fest. There really wasn’t a bad beer at the entire festival. Both production breweries and brewpubs are emphasizing beer quality. Let’s hope this trend will continue!”
“Things to celebrate? Atlanta breweries have made tasting rooms great places to hang out and enjoy a beer. I’m proud of the craft beer scene here, and I’m not at all embarrassed to take my out-of-town friends to any of the breweries around the city.”
“Georgia breweries (outside of the big guys like Sweetwater/Terrapin) are finally getting some recognition in other areas. [Creature Comforts] See the Stars was the first Georgia beer release to hit ‘megawhale’ status and had the internet trade forums buzzing, speculating, arguing, and calling names.”
“Sweetwater becoming corporate beer: The hiring of Kim Jones and Bill Waters, the equity stake they sold, and their westward expansion shows they’re not in the same league as any of the other Georgia breweries.”
“We became an industry over the past year, and not just a collection of novelty businesses with funny names. There’s such a long way to go still, so many people to educate and enlighten, and a whole segment of our business (brewpubs) that need extra attention as well. But we can’t be ignored as an economic force in this state any more.”
Read the AJC Fall Dining Guide, Atlanta Around the Clock, here .
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