Last night, I attended Love Thy Beer: Winter Warmer Showcase. This Brewers Association of Maryland event celebrates FeBREWary. Twenty-six breweries submitted their unique version of Cupid’s Curse for attendees to select the 2018 winner.  (Breaking News: Olde Mother Brewing has won the Cupid’s Curse for 2018 for their Expressions of Love Stout with castoreum).

I stopped by Sapwood Cellars, which with luck will open in Columbia, MD this summer. I  talked to owners Scott Janish and Mike (the Mad Fermentationist). Fun guys and great beer!

At this terrific Maryland event, Kevin Atticks, the Executive Director of the Brewers Association of Maryland introduced Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. Brewery advocate, Mr. Franchot, spoke about his bill, Reform on Tap Act of 2018 (HB 518) and against HB 1052. As the Baltimore Sun says, House Bill 1052 seeks to limit beers served by small breweries. House Bill 1052 proposes to end contract brewing and limit small brewery taproom sales. Guinness has publicly opposed this bill. Union Brewing says they would leave the state if this bill is enacted.

On Friday, February 23rd at 1:00, hearings for both these bills will take place at the Maryland House of Delegates in Annapolis. I plan to attend.

I urge you to Contact your State Senator and Delegates by phone and/or e-mail and ask them to support House Bill 518 and oppose House Bill 1052. Find your legislators here.

Cheers!

Warren