Comments on: New Jersey Legislators Prefer Wine to Beer

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:52:46 +0000

@ Don: As your brother who lives in NJ (along with his family and his kneecaps) I wholeheartedly echo Scott’s comments about this “mob” thing you speak of. I’m not sure what it is referring to, as there is no such organization I’ve ever heard of here in the Garden State.

This is a common misunderstanding about NJ, along with the fact that everyone drives Camaro’s, we’re all named Joey or Tina, and the girls have big hair. Unfounded I say!

By: Scott-TheBrewClub

Scott-TheBrewClub — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:09:13 +0000

Don, those are all interesting points you make. All I can say however it that there is no such thing as this “Mob” in New Jersey.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Shmaltz Brewing Company – Freaktoberfest =-.

By: Don

Don — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:16:02 +0000

Hmmm let me see. Beer companies have lots of power and lobbyists and can systematically, state by state make sure that small breweries don’t get fair access to the end consumer. If every craft brewery in existence went out of business tomorrow the big three could ramp up production to more than deliver the amount of brew needed to meet demand.

On the other hand, wine makers, even the big ones are very limited (in comparison) to both the amount of product they can deliver, and their size in the marketplace. Mmmm…Less power=less influence. Methinks I might be onto something here. So if AB and CM and Miller can pay $10,000 permitting fees, so can everyone. And if the wine makers will go under and there might be a shortage of wine…OK they pay $900.

So what is truly a dichotomy in the marketplace, and it is fair to say that craft brewers are getting the shaft may actually have some ties to corporate corruption and greed. And lets face it…You are in New Jersey..There has got to be Mob underpinnings here somewhere. So while it is an interesting book, could be someone gets whacked if they push too hard, or complain too loud, or dig too deep.

You gotta love this country!

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:29:04 +0000

@Jim – I would do the same thing! Jersey is a tough place to do business, and for that reason its important to support those that make it work here in spite of the difficulties. It also sucks for us because beer tastings would be a great way to get people to try new beers. Its OK for wine, why not beer? Also, if I can do the Coopers kit, ANYONE can! (even you)
.-= Scott´s last blog ..Brewing Beer at Home With the Coopers Homebrew Kit =-.

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02:36 +0000

Now it all makes sense. I’ve been wondering how NY and PA can have so many great breweries while NJ has so few. Looks like our legislature has created plenty of incentive for brewers to avoid the Garden State and set up shop in more beer-friendly locales.

If I was a master brewer (I’m not – even the Cooper kit intimidates me!) I would regretfully set up shop across the border so I could make a go of it.

Way to go, NJ legislature. Another feather in your cap!