Diary: Indiana craft beer, and how drinking it at the State Fair and buying it at a farmers market may lead to civilization's collapse.

(My diary is the place for unexpurgated thoughts. Maybe I'll edit them later. Probably not)

Did you know that Indiana package stores believe Indiana beer and wine at the State Fair to be a bad idea?

Did you know Indiana package stores also oppose allowing small Indiana breweries to do what wineries have done with their products for thirty years running, and sell local beer at local farmers markets?

Hmm. Did I miss the press release in which Indiana package stores were appointed Official Godlike Overseers of the legislative process in Indiana?

I believe I must have. And it's really lamentable.

So let's just be clear, with a personal thought entirely unconnected with policies determined by my Guild, of which I'm a director: At times like this, heartfelt protestations of undying support and friendship from the package store association (as an entity ... certainly not individuals, whose opinions vary, although Big Red Liquors has openly advanced both these views, and one must express confusion as to why Big Red is doing so) -- well, shall we say, these sonorous proclamations of fidelity ring somewhat hollow?

With "friends" like these, who needs prohibitionist enemies?

Yes, I shall say so. I didn't use the word hypocritical, so give me that much. I might have, and no court in the world would rule against my choice of wording.

My hope is that the House will see past the grandstanding and approve a couple of bills that empower the small brewing business while taking absolutely nothing away from small package stores.

How to properly report the prospect of beer and wine at the Indiana State Fair.

If I had seen Chris Sikich's Indy Star article first, yesterday's post wouldn't have been made. This account is far better, and entirely non-flippant.

Has there ever been a better example of Indiana's fundamental weirdness than a state legislature banning beer and wine from the state fair because of littering?

Ban on alcohol at State Fair may end

Would you like to enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine at the Indiana State Fair?

The prohibition on alcohol sales at the fair, which has lasted more than six decades, may soon be coming to an end, thanks to changing attitudes and growing support for an emerging homegrown beer and wine industry.

Enacted in 1947 as a reaction to fair litterbugs, the ban is now considered by some to be an outdated vestige of blue laws that ought to be discarded.

Increasing support from State Fair officials, craft beer and wine producers, and some key state legislators makes overturning of the ban a stronger possibility this year, despite failed attempts in the past.

Beer and wine normally are not known as "booze", unless you're a yellow journalist.

You really have to wonder about the headline.

"Booze."

The attitude overall is flippant, beginning with the opening sentence. Then again, does journalism really exist any longer? Let's begin at the beginning, where the word "Indianapolis" is misspelled.

Booze could be Indiana state fair's newest attraction, by Hannah Troyer (TheStatehouseFile.com)

INDIANPOLIS — Those craving to wash down their serving of fried butter with a cold beer at the Indiana State Fair may soon have their wish granted.

Senate Bill 168, authored by Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg, would allow the sale of alcoholic beverages during the State Fair.

“Because of the current statute in place, during the State Fair no alcohol can be sold. We have microbreweries and wineries that really would like to not only be able to display their products, but to sell their products,” Leising said. “That’s what I’m trying to make happen. It will be interesting to see if I can get support. It’s one of those common sense bills, I think.”

Hmm, that actually is sensible. And why is Indiana's one of only two state fairs nationwide to espouse Prohibition?

Alcohol was prohibited after the state fair of 1947 because, instead of throwing their beer bottles away, patrons littered the fairgrounds.

Of course, the prohibitionists never really die. They just slither back from behind a different rock.

While supporters believe the change will be positive, critics — including Drug Free Marion County — said the possible sale of alcohol is an issue. The group says the beverages may cause problems and threaten the “family-friendly environment” the state fair promotes.

“We feel that it brings along too many problems,” said Nancy Beals, prevention project coordinator for Drug Free Marion County.

It's important to remember, as Sen Leising specifies, that the bill concerns beer and wine made in Indiana. Bud, Miller and Coors cannot play. They'd like to. That's the part of genuine concern.

Community Dark and Bob's Old 15-B take Brewers' Cup medals at the Indiana State Fair.

NABC took home two medals at the 2011 Indiana State Fair Brewers' Cup Competition. The winners were announced in Indianapolis on Saturday, July 9.

NABC Community Dark, our English-style Dark Mild, received a Gold medal for Category 11 (English Brown Ale), while Bob's Old 15-B scored a Bronze in Category 12 (Porter).

Seeing as we entered only four beers, a 50% success rate seems reasonable enough. A complete list of the categories and winners can be found here.


It is instructive to note that in 2010, we entered a completely different lineup into the competition, selecting heavier hitters like Elector, Solidarity and Hoptimus, with barren results. This year, we decided to flip the wisdom, and chose the ones (for us, the few) beers corresponding to style definitions. Arguably, Community Dark and Bob's Old 15-B are the two most center-of-the-target beers we do, which would seem to be certified by the results on Saturday.

To me, this means (a) the judges were spot on, and (b) I still prefer we not brew with an eye toward winning medals, even if both our winning beers are quite good. What good's a rule unless you can break it with impunity?

Support HB1093, to support artisanal Hoosier beer & wine sales at the Indiana State Fair.

The Hoosier Beer Geeks published this note from Anita Johnson (owner of the Great Fermentations homebrewing supply shop in Indianapolis). I echo the sentiment, and ask that Indiana readers drop a note to the representatives listed below. You can use the link to find your district's representative.

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I usually do not ask the Great Fermentations customer base to support my charities or causes but because we have a shared interest in beer and wine, I am writing to ask for your help.

There is a bill before the Indiana House of Representatives, HB1093, which would change Indiana law to finally allow beer and wine to be sold at the fairgrounds during the Indiana State Fair. Preference would be given to our Indiana-based commercial brewers and winemakers. The fair is committed to responsible consumption by allowing beer and wine to be served and consumed only in designated “beer gardens” and not allowing over consumption to ruin the family atmosphere of the fair.

I whole-heartedly support this bill because I enjoy the fair. The additional revenue generated by alcohol sales will help to close recent reductions in the fair budget. But more importantly it will support and promote Indiana brewers and winemakers from across the state.

Unfortunately there is some opposition to even hearing the bill before the house committee. Representative Bill Davis of Jay County does not want to allow the bill to come to committee. If you agree with this bill, would you take a moment to email Rep. Davis, Rep. Brian Bosma and your own representative and let them know you not only support the hearing but the passage of this bill this year. Time is of the essence because the proposed hearing is Tuesday, February 1st.

I have included some suggested text if you want to copy and paste into an email or get inspired and write your own. You can find email addresses for all of state representatives here:

http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl

For Representative Bosma:
I would like to ask you to encourage Rep. Davis about hearing HB1093 regarding allowing Indiana made beer and wine to be served on the fairgrounds during the Indiana State Fair. Because this will add revenue to the fair and support Indiana based businesses I see it as a win for the state.

For Representative Davis:
I would like to encourage you to bring HB 1093 before your committee. This bill addresses the availability of Indiana made beer and wine at the Indiana State Fair. Because this will add revenue to the fair and support Indiana based businesses I see it as a win for the state. The fair is committed to responsible consumption by allowing beer and wine to be served and consumed only in designated “beer gardens” and not allowing over consumption to ruin the family atmosphere of the fair. And I whole-heartedly support the bill and hope you will too.