Random notes from the beer webs….

The Brookston Beer Bulletin covered an important tax piece last week. There is talk in the Senate about raising the federal excise tax of beer substantially, maybe 50-400%, in order to help cover Obama’s Health Insurance Reform package. This will be a regressive tax that will hurt small brewers in a bad way. Jay posted up the info on how to contact the specific senators to voice your disapproval.

Speaking of beer and law, Free the Hops finally got that Senate support it needed to have the Alabama ‘pop the cap’ bill taken to the Governor’s desk for approval. The bill would raise the ABV level from 6 to 14%. He has to vote on it by Thursday night. Follow the blog for updates and instructions on how you can help. If he signs it, Good People Brewing already has plans to brew the state’s first-ever Double IPA and Russian Imperial Stout later this month.

Did you miss the Beer Wars movie last month? The film’s creator, Anat Baron, announced on Facebook yesterday that it is in DVD production. She’ll have more details next week.

The Bruery was recently featured in the LA Times for the success it’s had in just one year. Hell, you can even find the beers in Massachusetts.

Lastly, Founders Fest takes place on Saturday, June 20, this year. A brewery event that draws 5,000 people? Damn. More info at Promote Michigan (nothing beer-specific but you can get a band list there).