They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but can you judge a beer by its label? Beer becomes a first amendment issue. @JayeMarie, beer lover & future lawyer helps breakdown the legal side of this beer issue.
The Breakdown:Flying Dog filed suit in federal court this week against the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) with the request that the federal judge overturn the state-wide ban on one of its top selling beers, Raging Bitch, and award Flying Dog damages for the loss of sales due to the ban.
All out of state beer manufacturers must apply to the MLCC for a license to sell their product within the state of Michigan. Failure to do so may result in criminal charges.
Flying Dog first applied for a license to sell Raging Bitch in 2009 but was turned down. The brewery appealed only to be turned down again because according to the MLLC, the brew’s name, label, and statement on the back “contains such language deemed detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the general public.”
Wrestlemania is a week away. Perhaps a battle of the elves is in order. Troeg’s Brewing (Harrisburg, PA) has filed a cease & desist order against Bethlehem Brew Works (Bethlehem, PA), makers of Fegley’s beers.
Odell Brewing (Ft Collins, CO) is resurrecting a “guilty pleasure” brew in April. Double Pilsner returns, a previous tenant of the brewery’s Single Batch Series.
What You Need To Know:
This summer, Double Pilsner arrives in 12oz/4pks. Odell describes Double Pilsner as a “creative Continue Reading →
In honor of New Belgium Brewing’s 20th Anniversary, Fat Tire is going on a joy ride. Through Labor Day 2011, Fat Tire headlines a Joyride Campaign focusing on stories about the beer’s history; both in enjoyment and in brewing process. The Joyride campaign leads up to a big surprise in June – and the release of New Belgium’s Fat Tire inspired release of Super Cru. New labels will accompany the promotion – the infamous tire slowing leaving the Fat Tire labels, only to return loaded up from the Joy Ride. (Or for the Joyride?)
Stoudt’s Brewing (Adamstown, PA) announced the return of “Smooth Hoperator,” their American style doppelbock next week. Smooth was first released in honor of Stoudt’s 20th anniversary in 2007. The dopple is a blend of German malts, American hops, & brewing Continue Reading →
FiftyFifty Brewing will be reaching outside it’s home of Truckee, California to Chicago, Illinois. While no official press release has been issued on the distribution expansion, initial target for launch in December 2011.
FiftyFifty Brewing has gotten a lot of positive response Continue Reading →
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but can you judge a beer by its label? Beer becomes a first amendment issue. @JayeMarie, beer lover & future lawyer helps breakdown the legal side of this beer issue. 
