There’s been a deluge of alcoholic beverage news over the past week. And though no single issue demands its own separate post, I’ve identified three that really do deserve exposure in this forum. Prepare to be amazed and amused…
‘Drinking sustainably’
Ontario beer, wine and spirits drinkers have shown exemplary response to their collective resp0ponsibility to return empty containers for recycling.
The Beer Store – charged with accepting all booze container returns in the province – just released its 2023 Responsible Stewardship Report. And one outstanding statistic reveals that more than 1.7 billion empties were returned last year, either for direct reuse (beer bottles) or recycling.
The humongous container count translates to 98 percent of all returnable containers sold last year. The big success story is glass beer bottles, which can be refilled up to 15 times each before being crushed, melted and molded into new ones.
A proud pres
“Since 1927, we have played a key role as a trusted partner in sustainability, working hard with you to be environmental leaders and keep our communities clean,” Roy Benin, President of The Beer Store, said in a statement. ‘The Beer Store’ is the official, provincial government-sanctioned beer retailer. It’s a sort of suds cartel including 30 commercial brewers opersating in the province.
My take
The Beer Store deposit return program was a groundbreaking effort among alcoholic bev sellers, when it was introduced in 1927. And it remains a shining example to companies in other beverage categories. But we can all take a bow for having supported it so assiduously. And making it the success it is!
Beer is good for you
Or so says a slideshow post Sister Erin came across in her surfings a couple of days ago. Some of the ‘benefits’ identified are obvious. Others, not so much…
Stress relief
I think we’re all aware that a small dose of alcohol (say, a beer) now and then can help soothe the savage breast. beer has an advantage over Wine and spirits in as much as it doles out the alcohol more slowly, based on alcohol content by volume. You can drink much larger quantities of beer than you can of the other alcohol delivery systems before suffering adverse effects.
Heart Health
Like coffee and herbal teas, beer is high in flavonoids and antioxidants that support heart health and metabolic health.
Mental health
A beer in a social context with convivial companies can lubricate social contacts and contribute to an overall sense of well being.
Nutrient content
Though considered a recreational treat, beer is high in a variety of essential nutrients. According to WebMD, ‘standard beer’ delivers potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, Niacin and Folate. It also provides significant amounts of protein and fibre.
Hydration
Some folks claim beer – thanks to its high water content – can be an effective hydration beverage. But they may be overlooking the fact that alcohol is also a powerful diuretic…
My take
The way I see it, the pros pretty much balance off the cons. And when you factor in beer’s powerful ability to quench a thirst, it’s hard not to come out in favour…
Last call for Prohibition?
A bill now before the New York State legislature would force municipalities which still have local ‘Dry’ law on their books to abandon them.
True, national Prohibition, which was imposed in the US after the First World War, ended more than 90 years ago. But some towns and counties still have their own ‘Dry’ laws, as mandated by public referenda.
Only 7 communities in New York still have alcohol bans. And the largest of them counts a population of only about 2,000. But the state Senator who chairs the committee that controls booze statutes says abolishing restrictions would spur business growth a well as bring the holdout localities into step with the rest of the state. And the 21st Century.
“This ain’t the Prohibition era any longer. We live in New York in 2024, and this thing is kind of silly,” said Sen. James Skoufis.
My take
That said… It’s important to note that folks who live in the dry towns aren’t prohibited from going to the next town to buy alcoholic bevs. And there’s no ban on consuming booze in their own homes.
Nevertheless… Some folks in dry New York State towns are resentful of the legislature forcing any kind of change on them. Regardless of how silly some state lawmakers may feel their traditions are.
There you have it!
I sincerely hope you feel informed and edified… I’ll drink to that!
~ Maggie J.