| NEWS & NOTES |
Governor John Baldacci signed a bill recently that makes it easier for wine shops and boutique breweries to hold taste-testing events to draw customers and boost sales. More
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| BEER AND WINE
FACTS |
Before refrigeration, March used to signal the end of the brewing season because the weather became too warm to brew.
Did you know? Thanks to its alcohol content and non-alcoholic phytochemicals (natural occurring plant compounds), wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and slow the progression of neurological degenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. | |
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In this issue...
- Spring Means Green, but No New Taxes
- Maine Brewers to Compete in 2010 World Beer Cup®
- Distributor Profile: Central Distributors in Lewiston
- April is National Alcohol Awareness Month
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Dear Friends,  As March Madness winds down, both in terms of basketball and the work of the 124th Maine Legislature, the Appropriations Committee has developed a bi-partisan budget without increasing or expanding new taxes. Thanks to all the elected officials for their hard work and we wish them continued success as they finalize work on the remaining policy matters in the coming weeks. Looking ahead, it's hard to believe another election year is upon us in 2010. As legislators move toward completing their work and adjournment, many of them are already working on their next test; March 15th was the deadline for candidates seeking office to file the necessary paperwork to ensure they can qualify for the ballot. The primary election will be June 8th. The gubernatorial election is expected to draw plenty of attention with seven Republicans and five Democrats on the November statewide ballot. We encourage you to learn about the candidates.
A sure sign of spring is the release of warm weather brews this month from our great brewers here in Maine. The Maine Beer and Wine Distributors Association would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all local brewers and wish good luck to the Maine brewers competing in April's World Beer Cup®.
Delivering Choice and Quality, Advocating Responsibility.
Sincerely, 
Cheryl Timberlake
Executive Vice President
Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association |
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Maine Brewers Prepare for World Beer Cup®
This April, more than 400 brewers will compete at the 2010 World Beer Cup® in Chicago, Illinois. This year, Maine's world-class varieties of beer will be well represented at the prestigious event by the Allagash Brewing Company (Brewmaster: Rob Tod), Gritty McDuff's Brewing Company (Brewmaster: Andy Hayer) and Shipyard Brewing Company (Brewmaster: Alan Pugsley). The 2010 World Beer Cup® has 3,401 beers entered in the competition from 651 breweries in 46 countries. The competition will be judged by 180 judges from 27 different countries.
The competition begins on April 6 and the winners will be announced at The World Beer Cup® Gala Awards Dinner on April 10.
The mission of the World Beer Cup® is to create greater consumer awareness around the world about the quality and diversity displayed by the various beers of the world. The World Beer Cup® is dedicated to recognizing both the traditions and innovations shared by the entire brewing industry as well as those customs unique to specific countries and regions. The World Beer Cup® also promotes the responsible consumption of beer as an alcohol-containing beverage and urges beer producers and distributors to encourage beer enthusiasts to savor the flavor of beer responsibly. More |
Distributor Profile: Central Distributors
With over 75 years of experience, Central Distributors in Lewiston is one of the oldest beer and wine distributors not only in Maine, but in the entire country. Following Prohibition, Albert J. Barriault founded the family business in September of 1934. Since then, the business has remained in the family, owned by three generations of the Barriault family and today employs more than 100 people.
Before founding Central Distributors, Albert Barriault gained an appreciation for the distribution business working for a local truck dealer and sold many trucks to Eastern Distributors in Lewiston. After leaving the truck sales business, he advanced his career and went on to manage one of the several branches of Eastern Distributors. In 1933, when the 18th Amendment was repealed ending Prohibition, more beer brands started coming to Maine and Albert saw an opportunity not only for him, but the entire Barriault family. More |
April is National Alcohol Awareness Month.
Did you know? A recent study by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration found that 27.6 percent of youth ages 12 to 20 drank alcohol in the past month, with the rate as high as 40 percent in some states. At the same time, 8.6 percent of past-month drinkers in this age group bought their own alcohol the last time they drank.
As partners in the community, we are committed to educating people about the responsible consumption of our products. Please join us in our efforts to help to prevent underage drinking. Learn more
- The Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association |
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