Distilleries are in high spirits over a new law to allow liquor tastings in California.

Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 933, authored by Bay Area Democrat Nancy Skinner, to allow craft distilleries that produce artisan bourbon, whiskey, and other forms of hard liquor to offer paid tastings at their manufacturing facilities. The new law amends regulations that date back to Prohibition that ban distilleries from charging for tastings. Distilleries now will be able to better compete with wineries and breweries.

“Let’s toast to Governor Brown, who acted to support California’s hand-crafted distilleries by signing this legislation into law,” said Skinner.

According to information from Skinner’s office, there are currently 32 distilleries in California. Under the new law, those outfits will be able to provide customers with up to six paid samples of spirits. The samples must not be larger than one quarter ounce in size.

Read Full Article