Specialty Beer Bill Would Benefit Local Brewers

One of the more debated bills during Thursday’s House session was HB 400 sponsored by Rep. Deb Kottel (D - Great Falls). HB 400 short titled “Revise alcohol content of beer” would allow brewers to expand their beer selections by brewing and selling beers with alcoholic content from 8.75 to 14 % by volume.

Currently wine has a 16% alcohol by volume, and like wine these specialty beers will have a stronger and more refined flavor along with the higher alcohol content. This bill had bi-partisan support in the House. Rep. Dennis Himmelberger (R – Billings), who is a home brewer, commented on the bill saying he hopes the house members “will support this bill, it makes Montana brewers more competitive.”

The outspoken critics to this bill mostly rose in opposition to underage drinking. However Rep. Himmelberger pointed out that the high cost and refined taste of these beers will not make them wanted by underage drinkers. On top of that, there are many other types of alcoholic beverages with much higher alcohol content that would be cheaper than these beers.

Rep. Kottel had enthusiastic opening remarks highlighting the wheat and barley industry here in Montana, noting that these are key ingredients in the beer brewing process. She also talked on the difficulties of growing grapes in Montana and how it only makes sense to bridge that gap with specialty beers, typically called barley wines. Rep. Kottel also highlighted the over 24 small micro-breweries in the state that would greatly benefit by the passage of this bill into law.

This bill passed the House and has been transmitted to the Senate.