Maryland’s Comptroller finally released his report about the state of buying wine on-line. There are mixed reviews because he basically says that its OK to buy wine directly from a winery, but doesn’t think that local retailers can compete with out-of-state retailers.
I’ll let you judge that for yourself.
So – can I get beer shipped to me directly from breweries. I don’t think so. It’s difficult to believe that this is still an issue.
More coverage here and here.
This article from the Baltimore Sun has some real gems in it.
“When one of Maryland’s most famous chefs (presently featured with his brother Michael Voltaggio in two-page spread in the Williams-Sonoma catalogue) and the nation’s most famous wine connoisseur get together and the resulting meal is somehow regarded as a violation of the law, then there’s a problem with the law.”
…
“Just as wine lovers should have the right to have wine legally shipped to their door, customers ought to be able to bring it with them to lunch or dinner at a restaurant that’s willing to allow such a practice.”
My commentary: while the law is beyond stupid, we shouldn’t lose focus that this affects good beer too.
Maryland has found a new voice in the debate and this time it’s a Top Chef. Hopefully the entire Restaurant Association will catch on.
The Comptroller of Maryland has released a survey for Maryland citizens. The results are to be sent to the legislature as part of the study agreed to during the last legislative session.
Vinotrip offers some guidance through this survey. So think about your answers wisely.
I was talking to a friend of mine who mentioned a local German homebrew competition taking place. In that conversation we talked about a style that was knew to me – German porter. Check out the article that was dug up on this style. I don’t think this style is currently covered in the BJCP style guidelines but it is pretty cool nonetheless.
I’ve posted about this before but I think Tom Wark over at the Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog is more adept at describing the situation.
"There are many trustworthy palates; you should seek out as many as you can. You should find out their favorites and if you can afford them, you should try them to see if your palate roughly aligns. If they offer no great reviews of affordable wines, you should look elsewhere; great wine is all around, just like good reviewers."
I look forward to the day that the 100 point scale is gone. Have you ever seen a bottle labeled with a 38 in a liquor store? I assure you – there are probably some that should be.
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