This is great news. The Alabama governor, Bob Riley, signed HB373, the Gourmet Beer Bill, into law this morning. Alabamans can immediately begin enjoying beer that’s above 6% a.b.v., as the new bill raised the limit to 13.9%. Still no Utopias or Samichlaus, but it’s a great step forward. The hops are finally free! Congratulations to the Free the Hops organization and all the hard work that went into this over the past four years.