The Business of the Business "The Politics of Booze"

Every time I open a paper or turn on the news it seems like there is some article or another talking about a proposed change to the laws around serving or selling the demon beverage. One of the latest things in the local paper is a proposed increase to the minimum selling price of beer as a way to curb consumption. Not only does this theory not work, just think tobacco, but things like .05 have already caused a quantum shift in habits. The State just South of us recently voted to take government out of the liquor sales equation. we on the other hand spend tax dollars renovating stores that were just done. As a licensee I am forced to buy all my spirits from 1 of only 2 stores, pre-pay and pick up my order. does any other industry allow that kind of service to survive. Not to mention if they don't want to list a new product you can only get it by the case. I know this sounds like a bit of a rant but really I am hoping against hope that we figure out that governments role in this industry is only to insure public safety and not to be in competition with their own customers.

Happy New Year

Well it is now 2012 and I sit here trying to figure out what this year will bring, what are going to be the trends that people talk about, drink and what will be forgotten and not seen again. Some up and comers here in the Okanagan are local draft ciders, cask conditioned ales, micro distilled spirits, and local Cabernet Franc. Whats not includes flavored cider, short drinks, and cheap Australian Shiraz. Some of these may fade or come back but there is no denying that consumers are more savvy and picky and they will seek out the trends.

We tapped our first cask here at the pub a few days before Christmas it was another one of those fabulous porters from Cannery Brewing in Penticton we served it up with some fresh Malepeque Oysters on the half shell what a great match. 

Right now our session tap features Crannog's Back Hand of God Stout. Brian and Rebecca produce some of the best Organic sustainably farmed product in B.C. Come in for the Ribs add a pint or 2 of stout and you may spend a lot of time trying to come up with a better pairing. These go together like Hockey Night in Canada and Don Cherry.
Watch for Kilt Lifter coming soon for our Burns celebration.