First post of the year!

Okay, so it's been almost a full month since my last post. I have a lot of material that I've gathered in that time. Some pictures from a couple of the 3 beer tastings I've attended and a some other stuff...  More later on that.

But now some bad news... This is from the Probrewer interactive fourm:

Major Three-Tier Decision in Texas
Judge allows out-of-state shipments; but ruling supports wholesalers

In a major decision affecting the very basis of the three-tier system, Judge Sidney Fitzwater of the U.S. District Court of Northern Texas ruled yesterday that allows out-of-state retailers to ship beer and wine directly to consumers. The catch is, out-of-state retailers must purchase only from Texas-licensed wholesalers, making the decision a major victory for wholesalers and three-tier advocates.

The decision, which suggests in the ruling that wholesalers are an imperative component to alcoholic beverage regulation, is a benefit to craft and specialty brands, who rely on a diverse and abundant wholesale network to get brands to retail.

Although hailed as a victory by both sides, if the ruling stands that out-of-state retailers must first buy the brands from a licensed wholesaler within the state of Texas before shipping directly to the consumer, this would imply a solid affirmation of wholesalers rights, providing strong legal ground for distributors in future cases legal challenges.

This news is a little disturbing. It shows Texas is going in the wrong direction as far as beer laws are concerned. 

More posts as I have time...