Wyoming microbreweries can produce more beer than ever before after the passage of a new Wyoming law last week.
Gov. Matt Mead signed into law legislation increasing the number of barrels of beer a microbrewery can produce on Wednesday. Under the legislation the limit increases from 15,000 barrels a year to 50,000 barrels, effective July 1.
Rep. Rosie Berger (R-HD51) sponsored the bill, and said it is a way to grow the microbrewery industry while employing men and women in Wyoming.
“This sector, light manufacturing, is one that I have heard frequently and passionately spoken about by legislators as a way to diversify Wyoming’s job market needs,” Berger said, “and this is a prime example to show support for that promise.”
Under state law microbreweries have certain advantages over larger breweries, including the right to sell their product on site and distribute their product independent of a wholesaler.
Jared Long, head brewer for Altitude Chophouse and Brewery, said that microbreweries probably would not reach the 50,000-barrel max.
“If you want my honest opinion, it’s unlikely that any brewery will begin to self-distribute at the 50,000 barrel level. It’s more about principle, to reserve that right if we so choose,” Long said.
Long is also the vice president of the Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild (WCBG) which, he said, played a substantial role in lobbying for the legislation.
When lobbying for the legislation, Long said WCBG looked at distribution levels in other states, and concluded the 50,000 barrels was the average maximum.
“It’s a great time to be a craft consumer, and a brewer. They’re more adventurous than they ever have been before,” Long said.
Long said he draws his influences for his brews from multiple muses.
“Certainly other breweries; Sierra Nevada, Russian River, Lost Abbey,” said Long.
He is inspired by travel, San Francisco being a particular favorite, as well as music. Musical artists that inspire him include Whitney Houston, Nirvana and Beyoncé.
Long said people who are interested in craft brewing should get experience in a brewery they respect. Long also said it is much more difficult than it seems.
“It’s a lot of work. There are a lot of components that go into being a brewer,” Long said.
