Beer News Update

I've failed for several weeks to catch up with beer news. Maybe I thought since I have my own kegarator now, I can ignore important developments in the world around me. Foolish.

Now that I'm buying in bulk, a.k.a. a big mover in the market, I can't afford to be ill-informed. So here's an update.

For starters, I think we all need to have an opinion on whether President Obama should have a beer with neocon punditron Sean Hannity, as was suggested by a woman in Elkhart, Indiana, yesterday. From the NY Times:

"With respect to Sean Hannity, I didn't know that he had invited me for a beer," the president said to laughter from the crowd.

"But I will take that under advisement," he added in a tone that suggested it may be a long consideration, prompting even more laughter.

"Generally," Mr. Obama went on, "his opinion of me does not seem to be very high."

More laughter.

"But I'm always good for a beer."

 But I'm always good for a beer. Of all the eloquent things The One has said, that might be the most moving.

Give me a moment, please.

OK, I'm composed.

New York Newsday reports that marinating a steak in beer or wine before frying helps make it healthier. Good to know.

No word on the impact of marinating post-chewing and swallowing. These studies always have gaping holes.

Sound the trumpets. Sam Adams is introducing a line of "imperial" flavors. From the Boston Globe:

"The Samuel Adams Imperial Series will offer beer lovers' an intense version of some of their favorite traditional beer styles by boosting the ingredients and testing the limits of each traditional style," the company said in a press release. "With more robust flavors and nearly twice the alcohol by volume of your average beer, each style in the Imperial Series is intended to be savored and appreciated like a fine wine."

The Imperial Series will be available nationwide in February at a suggested retail price of $9.99 per four-pack, the company added.

That's sort of pricey, Sam. With this economy, wouldn't something like Penny Pincher's Pilsner or Laid Off Lager or Old Fezziwig's Foreclosure Ale have been a wiser choice? In convenient 40-ounce sizes? $1.19?

At least some members of Congress understand.

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House that would slash the federal excise tax on beer, according to the Post-Dispatch in St. Louis.

Brewers argue an industry that actually creates manufacturing jobs deserves a break. The rising cost of ingredients has created price pressures that could be helped by a tax cut.

Would Obama sign such a bill into law? I have my doubts.

"But I'm always good for a beer."

How could I have doubted him? Give me another moment, please.