After a four-year campaign, Free the Hops finally saw Gov. Riley sign the Gourmet Beer Bill into law.
Some Alabamians will join the grass-roots organization in celebration of the max alcohol by volume increase from 6 to 13.9 percent in beer available statewide, while others doubt the bill's necessity.
We believe a toast is in order to commend the governor's decision to finally "free the hops" with the signing of this bill.
However, in contrast to the stereotypes of drunken college students, our excitement stems more from the level-headed, respectful decision of our state than it does from the availability of Russian Imperial Stouts.
Certainly gourmet beers are nothing to shake a stick at, but it's nice to see a decision develop that treats Alabamians like adults. All too often it seems our state government is grounded in ambiguous morals more than it is in logic and reason.
If we're going to be trusted with the privilege of consuming alcohol after we turn 21, then why restrict the caliber of beer we may choose to drink? There's little difference in drinking a couple top-shelf, high-ABV beers than downing a six-pack of Natural Light.
And while we acknowledge the concern about young drinkers getting their hands on beers with high alcohol contents, we don't believe the newly available drinks will cause any unruly consumption.
Many of the soon-to-be-available beers will carry hefty price-tags and stout, acquired tastes that will most likely deter young drinkers from replacing their beer pong brews with a high-ABV beverage.
On the other end of the spectrum, this decision provides the privilege of classy, distinguished ales for those beer connoisseurs out there.
No matter the alcohol content of the beverage in our hand, it's still our duty to drink responsibly, and it's nice to hear we're finally being acknowledged as people capable of that.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
