It's official. Mississippi is warming up to craft beer.
Most of America’s 50 states don’t have an official “Craft Beer Week/Month.” Mississippi has proclaimed Mississippi Craft Beer Week , joining other beer savvy states such as Vermont, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Alabama, Minnesota, Washington DC, Ontario (Canada), Oregon and Michigan. Follow a list of all beer weeks at AmericanCraftBeerWeek.org.
On July 12, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour signed a proclamation “NOW, THEREFORE, I, Haley Barbour, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim the week of July 24-31 2010, as Mississippi Craft Beer Week in the State of Mississippi.”
It’s just in time to responsibly celebrate at the July 31 “Top of the Hops Beer Festival.".
It’s proof positive that even in Mississippi the glaciers are receding. And I’ve lived to see the day. I toast the craft beer enthusiasts and the homebrewers who are leading the deep south to a culture of responsible beer appreciation.
The proclamation even mentions homebrewers
“WHEREAS, the craft brewing industry is defined by three distinct producers: brewpubs, microbreweries, and regional craft breweries, and let us not forget our homebrewing enthusiasts. Increased support of craft brewing is important to fostering growth of an American industry that creates jobs, greatly benefits the economy, and brings accolades to American small businesses; and…”
Next year, let’s hope a law can be passed decriminalizing the hobby of homebrewing in the state of Mississippi. Perhaps they can lead Alabama to make the change too.
For a digital taste of Mississippi brewed craft beer take a look at LazyMagnolia.com where the state’s first and only microbrewery presents its history and beers. Watch owners Leslie and Mark Henderson having some fun, telling their story on BeerAmerica.TV
And on WAFB.TV watch a news piece that begins, “A beer so popular that people are willing to drive to Mississippi to get it.” I’m still living and still seeing it.
Comments
Too bad the state has some of the worst beer laws in all of Christendom (the U.S.) and some awful distribution of what actually can make it into the state. I'm just glad I get to go back to Montana in several months...and drive through Colorado on the way back; ) At least I can homebrew completely legally...oh wait.
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