Georgia plans to update their beer laws, Founders releases Frootwood in honor of their 20th anniversary, and the number of brewery permits hits an all-time high. Mondays suck but craft beer makes it all better, even if it’s just news. Keep reading to catch the details of these stories and more in this edition of the Weekly Growler Fill.

Political Compromise Would Allow Brewers, Distillers to Sell On-site in Georgia

Georgia has long banned the direct sale of beer to customers by breweries. In other words, no tap rooms. Georgia breweries have been able to give away some samples on tours, but that is about it. Now, lawmakers in the Peach State are getting with the times. A bill has been introduced to allow limited sales directly to the public by distilleries, with a similar bill for craft breweries to follow soon hereafter. See the video below for the full story.

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Founders Will Release Frootwood to Kick Off Their 20th Anniversary

Twenty whole years is a long time to own a brewery. Ask the people at Founders, they’ll tell you. In honor of their 20th anniversary, Founders is doing what Founders does best – barrel aged beer. Frootwood will be the first release of the barrel-aged series, which will also include KBS, Backwoods Bastard, and 3 other yet-to-be-named brews. Frootwood is a light-bodied cherry ale aged in oak barrels that have held both bourbon and maple syrup. It will start hitting shelves now in most states, with full distribution by February. You’ll be able to find it in both 4-packs of 12oz bottles and single 750mL bottles. [Read full article]

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Why Japan Is Offering Taxpayers Beef and Craft Beer

Japan has a unique tax system called Furusato Nozei, or hometown tax. Through this system, taxpayers can redirect their funds to small towns around the nation. In return, they are sent local goods from those rural areas. For example, you can get about 6lbs of beef for directing $437 to the town of Miyakonojo. However, there’s an even better deal. If you direct your funds to Yamanouchi, you get 24 bottles of craft beer. Score. Although this does help many small communities, it also disproportionately benefits those who have the best goods (like the beer producing regions). Nevertheless, why can’t the US take a note from the Japanese and make paying taxes more fun? [Read full article]

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Permitted Breweries Hit Another Record in 2016 at 7,190

The final tally has been counted and it’s official: the US has broken another record for the number of permitted breweries. As of December 31, 2016, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) had issued a total of 7,190 permits for breweries. During 2016, 1,110 new permits were issued, compared to 1,142 in 2015. That gives us about 2.2 breweries per 100,000 residents in the country – impressive. Even with the massive influx of new beer makers, the market continues to flourish. So, lets all do our part to keep this industry going and crack open a cold one. [Read full article]

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Kona Brewing Company’s New Hanalei Island IPA is Now Available on the Mainland

Kona is sending a new brew to the mainland. Hanalei Island IPA, filled with the flavors of passionfruit, orange and guava, has officially started shipping nationwide. “With the massive growth of IPAs in the craft beer category, where one in four craft beers sold being an IPA, we think Hanalei Island IPA will stand out as a truly special beer that combines the floral hop aroma of a traditional IPA with a uniquely bright and tropical Hawaiian twist,” said Cindy Wang, Senior Brand Director at Kona Brewing Company. Hanalei is sessionable at 4.5% ABV and will be available in six-packs and on draft. See where you can find it by clicking here. [Read full article]

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