Brookston Beer Bulletin

Jay R. Brooks on Beer

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California Craft Brewers Video

By

ccba
I saw an early version of this video last year, but today noticed it’s up at the CCBA (California Craft Brewers Association) website. It’s in the style of Greg Koch’s original I Am A Craft Brewer video, but features all California brewers. It’s apparently on behalf of both the CCBA and Support Your Local Brewery. I’m sure somebody wil complain — somebody ALWAYS does — but it’s fun to see. Having visited almost all of the 180 breweries in Northern California researching my forthcoming book California Breweries: North, it’s great to see so many familiar faces. Enjoy.

Moldova Beer

By

moldova
Today in 1990, Moldova gained their Independence from the USSR.

Moldova
moldova-color

Moldova Breweries

Moldova Brewery Guides

Other Guides

  • CIA World Factbook
  • Official Website
  • U.S. Embassy
  • Wikipedia

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.03%

moldova

  • Full Name: Republic of Moldova
  • Location: Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania
  • Government Type: Republic
  • Language: Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)
  • Religion(s): Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5%
  • Capital: Chisinau (Kishinev)
  • Population: 3,656,843; 130th
  • Area: 33,851 sq km, 140th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly larger than Maryland
  • National Food: Mămăligă; Moldovan Cuisine
  • National Symbol: Aurochs (a type of wild cattle)
  • Affiliations: UN, CIS
  • Independence: From the Soviet Union, August 27, 1991

moldova-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18
  • BAC: 0.05%
  • Number of Breweries: 8

moldova-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: bere
  • How to Order a Beer: Oh beh-reh ver rohg
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Noroc (“good luck”) / Pentru sanatatea dunneavoastra / sănătate
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

moldova-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 31%
  • Wine: 36%
  • Spirits: 33%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 8.22
  • Unrecorded: 10.00
  • Total: 18.22
  • Beer: 4.57

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 8.2 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: N/A
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Sales Restrictions: Places, petrol stations
  • Advertising Restrictions: Advertising
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: No

Patterns of Drinking Score: 4

Prohibition: None

moldova-eu

Uruguay Beer

By

uruguay
Today in 1825, Uruguay gained their Independence from Brazil.

Uruguay
uruguay-color

Uruguay Breweries

Uruguay Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.03%

uruguay

  • Full Name: Oriental Republic of Uruguay
  • Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil
  • Government Type: Constitutional republic
  • Language: Spanish (official), Portunol, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)
  • Religion(s): Roman Catholic 47.1%, non-Catholic Christians 11.1%, nondenominational 23.2%, Jewish 0.3%, atheist or agnostic 17.2%, other 1.1%
  • Capital: Montevideo
  • Population: 3,316,328; 134th
  • Area: 176,215 sq km, 91st
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than the state of Washington
  • National Food: Ndolé
  • National Symbols: Sun of May; Peltophorum dubium
  • Affiliations: UN, OAS
  • Independence: From Brazil, August 25, 1825

Uruguay-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: None (to drink); 18 (to buy) [Alcohol sales are forbidden after Midnight]
  • BAC: 0.03%
  • Number of Breweries: 6

uruguay-money-2

  • How to Say “Beer”: cerveza
  • How to Order a Beer: Una cerveza, por favor
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Salud
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

uruguay-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 44%
  • Wine: 60%
  • Spirits: 19%
  • Other: 1%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 6.14
  • Unrecorded: 2.00
  • Total: 8.14
  • Beer: 1.33

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 6.1 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Sales Restrictions: Hours, places, specific events, intoxicated persons, petrol stations
  • Advertising Restrictions: No
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: No

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None

uruguay-so-amer

Belarus Beer

By

belarus
Today in 1991, Belarus gained their Independence from the USSR.

Belarus
belarus-color

Belarus Breweries

Belarus Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.03%

belarus

  • Full Name: Republic of Belarus
  • Location: Eastern Europe, east of Poland
  • Government Type: Republic in name, although in fact a dictatorship
  • Language: Belarusian (official) 23.4%, Russian (official) 70.2%, other 6.4% (includes small Polish- and Ukrainian-speaking minorities)
  • Religion(s): Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 20%
  • Capital: Minsk
  • Population: 9,542,883; 90th
  • Area: 207,600 sq km, 86th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than Kansas
  • National Food: Ndolé
  • National Symbols: Wisent; mounted knight known as Pahonia (the Chaser)
  • Affiliations: UN, CIS
  • Independence: From the Soviet Union, August 25, 1991

Belarus-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18
  • BAC: 0.03%
  • Number of Breweries: 27

belarus-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: piva / піва
  • How to Order a Beer: Ad-no pee-vah ka-lee lah-ska
  • How to Say “Cheers”: ўра / для Вашага здароўя
  • Toasting Etiquette: It is gracious to learn a few toasts. The most common are na zdo ro vie (to your health) and an ancient Polish toast, sto-lyat (a hundred years)

belarus-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 28%
  • Wine: 9%
  • Spirits: 43%
  • Other: 28%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 11.22
  • Unrecorded: 3.91
  • Total: 15.13
  • Beer: 1.84

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 11.2 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Sales Restrictions: Hours, places, specific events
  • Advertising Restrictions: Yes
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: No

Patterns of Drinking Score: 4

Prohibition: None

belarus-europe

Russia Beer

By

russia
Today in 1991, Russia gained their Independence from the USSR.

Russia
Russia-color

Russia Breweries

Russia Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: The Union of Russian Brewers

National Regulatory Agency: Federal Service for Consumer Rights and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and Social Development

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Labels must include the following information: Product name (and type, for beer); Manufacturer name and address; Trademark, if any; Date marking (both bottling and use-by dates); Alcohol by volume (expressed as minimal content for beer); Special instructions for storage; Reference to applicable regulatory compliance document; Certification information. Also, Additives must be listed, and for beer, label must include information on extractability of original wort, basic source composition, major ingredients listing (determined by manufacturer), and nutritional value.

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.00%

russia

  • Full Name: Russian Federation
  • Location: North Asia bordering the Arctic Ocean, extending from Europe (the portion west of the Urals) to the North Pacific Ocean
  • Government Type: Federation
  • Language: Russian (official), many minority languages
  • Religion(s): Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2%; Russia has large populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy of over 70 years of Soviet rule
  • Capital: Moscow (Moskva)
  • Population: 138,082,178; 9th
  • Area: 17,098,242 sq km, 1st
  • Comparative Area: Approximately 1.8 times the size of the US
  • National Food: Shchi, Kasha and Pelmeni
  • National Symbols: Bear, Golden Bicephalic Eagle; Birch tree; Moscow Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Matryoshka doll, AK47, Khokhloma, Ushanka, Kosovorotka; Red Star, Spasskaya Tower, Khokhloma, Double-headed eagle; Volga River
  • Affiliations: UN, CIS
  • Independence: From the Soviet Union, August 24, 1991 / Notable Earlier Dates: 1157 (Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal created); January 16, 1547 (Tsardom of Muscovy established); October 22, 1721 (Russian Empire proclaimed); December 30, 1922 (Soviet Union established)

russia-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: None (to drink); 18 (to buy) [Note: There is no law or regulation in Russia that prohibits minors from consuming alcohol, but selling alcohol to minors is prohibited by federal and additional regional laws.]
  • BAC: 0.00% [Note, WHO claims 0.03%]
  • Number of Breweries: 160

russia-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: pivo / Пиво
  • How to Order a Beer: odno pivo, pozhaluysta / одно пиво, пожалуйста
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Budem zdorovy (“let’s stay healthy”) / Chtob vse byli zdorovy (“let everybody be healthy”) / Na zdorovia *may not actually be used* / Na zdorovje (“to your health”) / Za sbychu mecht / будем здоровы / за ваше здоровье / пей до дна
  • Toasting Etiquette: Begin eating only after somebody says a toast, even if there is no alcohol on the table [which is almost impossible]. Toasting is a very important part of dining. Toasts are common The host starts and guests reply. Do not drink until the first toast is offered. After a toast, many Russians like to clink their glasses together. Do not do so if you are drinking something non-alcoholic.

    Not drinking is a serious handicap to doing business in Russia. It’s the way things are done. In all but the most Westernized circles, you will have trouble winning trust if you do not get drunk with your hosts. It’s considered a way of breaking down barriers and getting to know the real you. Refusing to drink is unacceptable unless you give a plausible excuse, such as explaining that health or religious reasons prevent you from imbibing. Also you may smile and pretend that you are drinking, to show that you accept the toast and respect those around you. If you feel that you’re getting intoxicated, avoid signing anything.

russia-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 33%
  • Wine: 1%
  • Spirits: 63%
  • Other: 3%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 11.03
  • Unrecorded: 4.73
  • Total: 15.76
  • Beer: 3.65

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 11 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Sales Restrictions: Time, location, specific events, intoxicated persons, petrol stations
  • Advertising Restrictions: N/A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: 5

Prohibition: 1914-1925

russia-asia

More Mid-Year Brewery Numbers

By

ba
Earlier this month the Brewers Association released the good news that Craft Beer Grows 14% In First Half Of 2012. That was through the end of June. I hate to keep crowing about the numbers, but it’s hard to ignore, especially having lived through the depressing late 90s when optimism for craft beer was at its nadir. Anyway, here’s where we are just a month later, as of July 31 of this year.

  • U.S. operating breweries is at 2,142, up from 2,126 at the end of June.
  • U.S. breweries in planning is at 1,303, up from 1,252 at the end of June.
  • There are 555 more breweries in planning than a year ago and 347 more operating U.S. breweries.

Crazy times.

Afghanistan Beer

By

afghanistan
Today in 1919, Afghanistan gained their Independence from the United Kingdom.

Afghanistan
afghanistan-color

Afghanistan Breweries

Afghanistan Brewery Guides

Other Guides

  • CIA World Factbook
  • Official Website
  • U.S. Embassy
  • Wikipedia

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC Zero Tolerance

afghanistan

  • Full Name: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
  • Location: Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran
  • Government Type: Islamic Republic
  • Language: Afghan Persian or Dari (official) 50%, Pashto (official) 35%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism
  • Religion(s): Sunni Muslim 80%, Shia Muslim 19%, other 1%
  • Capital: Kabul
  • Population: 30,419,928; 40th
  • Area: 652,230 sq km, 41st
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than Texas
  • National Food: Kabuli pulao
  • National Symbols: Marco Polo Sheep (national animal) and Lion (official); Eagle (national bird); Tulip; Crescent moon and star
  • Affiliations: UN
  • Independence: From UK control over Afghan foreign affairs, August 19, 1919

afghanistan-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: No
  • Minimum Drinking Age: Illegal [though underground drinking flourishes]
  • BAC: Zero Tolerance
  • Number of Breweries: 0

afghanistan-money-2

  • How to Say “Beer”: bir / ab’jo / آبجو
  • How to Order a Beer: yao bir, lutfan
  • How to Say “Cheers”: لټول سوی لغت / roghtyaa
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

afghanistan-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: <1%
  • Wine: <1%
  • Spirits: 100%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 0.00
  • Unrecorded: 0.02
  • Total: 0.02
  • Beer: 0.00

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 0.00 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: No
  • Minimum Age: Total ban
  • Sales Restrictions: Total ban
  • Advertising Restrictions: Total ban
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: Total ban

Patterns of Drinking Score: N/A

Prohibition: Yes

afghanistan-asia

Indonesia Beer

By

indonesia
Today in 1945, Indonesia gained their Independence from the Netherlands.

Indonesia
indonesia-color

Indonesia Breweries

Indonesia Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC No Limit

indonesia

  • Full Name: Republic of Indonesia
  • Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean
  • Government Type: Republic
  • Language: Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects (of which the most widely spoken is Javanese)
  • Religion(s): Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 3.4%
  • Capital: Jakarta
  • Population: 248,216,193; 4th
  • Area: 1,904,569 sq km, 15th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly less than three times the size of Texas
  • National Food: Ndolé
  • National Symbols: Garuda (mythical vahana of Vishnu) or Javan Hawk-eagle, Komodo dragon & Asian arowana; Jasminum sambac, Moon orchid & Rafflesia arnoldi; Durian (King of fruit) and Mangosteen (Queen of fruit); Teak; Borobudur; Garuda Pancasila
  • Affiliations: UN, ASEAN
  • Independence: Declared from the Netherlands, August 17, 1945 / 27 December 1949 Recognized by the Netherlands, December 27, 1949 [In August 2005, the Netherlands announced that it had recognized de facto Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945]

indonesia-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 21
  • BAC: No Limit
  • Number of Breweries: 7

indonesia-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: bir
  • How to Order a Beer: N/A
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Pro [Bahasa] / Selamat / Tos (toss)
  • Toasting Etiquette: Since 90% of Indonesians are Muslims, alcohol will not be served. If your host happens to be Indonesian of Chinese heritage and not Muslim, alcohol may be served. There is no tradition for toasting with alcohol.

indonesia-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 100%
  • Wine: <1%
  • Spirits: <1%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 0.06
  • Unrecorded: 0.50
  • Total: 0.56
  • Beer: 0.06

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 0.1 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 21
  • Sales Restrictions: Hours, location, specific events, intoxicated persons, petrol stations
  • Advertising Restrictions: Yes
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: Yes

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None.

indonesia-asia

Gabon Beer

By

gabon
Today in 1960, Gabon gained their Independence from France.

Gabon
Gabon-color

Gabon Breweries

Gabon Brewery Guides

Other Guides

  • CIA World Factbook
  • Official Website
  • U.S. Embassy
  • Wikipedia

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.08%

gabon

  • Full Name: Gabonese Republic
  • Location: Central Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea
  • Government Type: Republic; multiparty presidential regime
  • Language: French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi
  • Religion(s): Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%
  • Capital: Libreville
  • Population: 1,608,321; 153rd
  • Area: 267,667 sq km, 77th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than Colorado
  • National Food: Ndolé
  • National Symbol: Black Panther
  • Affiliations: UN, African Union
  • Independence: From France and the UK, January 1, 1960

gabon-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18 (Illegal for Muslims)
  • BAC: 0.08%
  • Number of Breweries: 3

gabon-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: bière
  • How to Order a Beer: Une bière, s’il vous plait
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Santé
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

gabon-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 68%
  • Wine: 10%
  • Spirits: 22%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 7.32
  • Unrecorded: 2.00
  • Total: 9.32
  • Beer: 5.38

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 7.3 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Decrease
  • Excise Taxes: N/A
  • Minimum Age: 21
  • Sales Restrictions: Specific Days
  • Advertising Restrictions: N/A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: No

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None

Gabon-africa

India Beer

By

india
Today in 1947, India gained their Independence from the United Kingdom.

India
india-color

India Breweries

India Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Directorate General for Foreign Trade

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Labels must include the following information: Name, trade name, or description of the product, Net weight and gross weight, Date markings, including shelf life of the product and/or expiration dates, Special instructions for storage or use, Bar codes (if applicable) are issued by EAN (European Article Numbering) at New Delhi, Market retail price, including taxes, duties, transportation, Distinctive batch, lot, or code number, and Month and year the product was manufactured or packed

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.03%

India

  • Full Name: Republic of India
  • Location: Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan
  • Government Type: Federal Republic
  • Language: Hindi 41%, Bengali 8.1%, Telugu 7.2%, Marathi 7%, Tamil 5.9%, Urdu 5%, Gujarati 4.5%, Kannada 3.7%, Malayalam 3.2%, Oriya 3.2%, Punjabi 2.8%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.2%, other 5.9%; English (subsidiary official)
  • Religion(s): Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1%
  • Capital: Delhi (New Delhi)
  • Population: 1,205,073,612; 2nd
  • Area: 3,287,263 sq km, 7th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly more than one-third the size of the US
  • National Food: Indian Cuisine
  • National Symbols: Royal Bengal Tiger (national animal), Peacock (national bird), King Cobra (national reptile), Gangetic River Dolphin (national aquatic animal), Elephant (National heritage animal); Lotus; Mango; Banyan; the Lion Capital of Asoka, spinning wheel (Asoka Chakra), Taj Mahal; the Ganges River
  • Affiliations: UN, Commonwealth
  • Independence: From the UK, August 15, 1947

india-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18–25 (varies between states) [Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the states of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Gujarat]
  • BAC: 0.03%
  • Number of Breweries: 61

india-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: beer
  • How to Order a Beer: One beer, please
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Cheers
  • Toasting Etiquette: Toasting is not a normal custom in India. However, in business meals where drinks are served, it is normal for the host to toast by raising the glass and saying “cheers.”

india-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 10%
  • Wine: 2%
  • Spirits: 88%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 0.55
  • Unrecorded: 0.20
  • Total: 0.75
  • Beer: 0.06

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 0.6 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Increase
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 18-25, but depends on the State
  • Sales Restrictions: Time, location, specific events
  • Advertising Restrictions: Yes
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: Yes

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: In some states of India alcoholic drinks are banned, for example the states of Gujarat, Nagaland and Mizoram. Certain national holidays such as Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti (birthdate of Mahatma Gandhi) are meant to be dry days nationally. The state of Andhra Pradesh had imposed Prohibition under the Chief Ministership of N. T. Rama Rao but this was thereafter lifted. Dry days are also observed on voting days. Prohibition was also observed from 1996 to 1998 in Haryana. Prohibition has become controversial in Gujarat following a July 2009 episode in which widespread poisoning resulted from alcohol that had been sold illegally. All of the Indian states observe dry days on major religious festivals/occasions depending on the popularity of the festival in that region. These dry days are observed to maintain peace and order during the festival days.

india-asia