A principled stance by Sierra Nevada beer (h/t to CelebStoner).
From Sierra Nevada – We’ve been getting lots of calls and email regarding our stance on California’s Proposition 19-which would legalize marijuana if passed. A beer industry group surprised us by linking our name in with their opposition. We had no idea it was happening and we disagree with their position.
This week, the California Beer and Beverage Distributors (CBBD) came out against California Proposition 19—also known as the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010. The CBBD is an industry group that represents the interests of beer distributors and members. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and many other independent craft brewers are associate members of the CBBD.
Although we are members of this organization, we were neither consulted—nor informed of—their decision to take a stand against California Proposition 19. Sierra Nevada’s role as an associate member grants no access or influence on the political agendas of the CBBD, and we had no knowledge of the organization’s intention to fight this ballot proposition.
The CBBD does not represent Sierra Nevada’s political interests in any way, and does not represent the brewery’s stance on the issue. We’ve requested the CBBD to remove our name from their list of members, and also to disassociate the brewery from this and any future political actions.
Over the past three decades, Sierra Nevada has maintained neutrality concerning political issues. We feel that people have the obligation to choose what is right for themselves without influence from outside interests. We regret any implied association with this action by the CBBD, and maintain our independence and neutrality regarding matters of politics
Looks like it’s time for me to try a Sierra Nevada.
Good on them!
I’ve seen their products but have never picked anything up. I think I’ll be giving them a taste this weekend. I hope it’s as tasty as their public statement.
All Sierra Nevada beers are good but if you are watching the waistline avoid Sierra Nevada Torpedo it is 330calories per 12ounce. The small Colorado breweries have some good ones. New Belgium has the best with Fat Tire, Ranger,Blue Paddle and others.
Welp, looks like I’ll be packin a bowl and drinkin a sierra nevada tomorrow for my bday. Good for them for coming out against the CBBD
Torpedo is very hoppy – If you can find it try their Celebration Ale, it comes out in winter. Their Pale Ale is a staple here in Northern Nevada. The Sierra Nevada Brewery is located in Chico, CA, a fun college town that is “green” friendly.
i’ve always been a big fan of their beers, but now i like them even more.
for those of you who have never tried their beers, be aware that they tend to be heavily hopped
I grew up in Chico and have always appreciated Sierra Nevada, so it’s with some pride that I see them making this statement.
Cannabis is safer but Sierra Nevada has made quality ales and beers for about 30 years now, and built a reputation on word of mouth and a good product. They have started projects to grow their own hops and to offset their carbon footprint.
You can hardly go wrong with the flagship pale ale, as long as you don’t mind a bit of hoppiness. If you’re into lighter stuff, and you can still find it, try the summerfest. Right now there is a lot of the “tumbler,” a new brown ale that is making me rethink my prejudice against the genre.
Nice one SN brewery! Good to see some smaller companies taking an individual stand 🙂
I’d buy their beer, but I’m in the UK…
If you go to Pete’s link, you’ll see that Stone Brewing and the California Small Brewer’s Association have also both distanced themselves from the CBBD.
Another link regarding CSBA’s position
Wow. Right on. I actually respect them more for their neutrality. In my opinion, this is a better reflection on their corporate values than if they had come out and supported 19.
We’d be a better place if we had constitutional separation of corporation and state.
Nothing like a company that makes great beer and great choices. Good Job Seirra Nevada!
You know me. I don’t drink. However, at my VN reunion in a couple of weeks in Fresno, I might just opt for the beer run and bring the guys back a truck load of “Neutrality” beer.
CBBD just assumed that Sierra Nevada would oppose a law that would legalize their competition, costing them a lot of money. Why would anyone expect an alcoholic beverage company to support a law legalizing a new drug that would directly compete with its product? Yeah CBBD probably should have gotten their permission first, but it’s such an obvious presumption that all beer companies will oppose Prop. 19 that who can blame them for listing all the brewers names by default?
I too have newfound respect for Sierra Nevada, and if I order a beer (I rarely if ever do), I will ask for a SN.
I was so impressed by Sierra Nevada’s stance that I went out to my local grocery store and bought not one, but two cases of their beer – one Summerfest, one Pale Ale. I only had time to drink one beer before I had to return to class in the evening, but I have to give these guys some props for their beer too. Their Summerfest is just about the most drinkable beer I’ve ever had, and that’s a lot considering the multitude of fantastic breweries ’round where I live (Madison, WI).
I’m hooked on this shit already. One try, that’s all it’ll take. 😉
Thanks for taking such a principled stand publically. Your example is one I wish more people would take — standing up for what you think is the right thing to do.
Aside from that, there is nothing marijuana is going to do to the beer business. Pot smokers like a brew as much as anyone else.
Not a beer drinker (think it tastes like soap suds), but I’m linking this story at fb, for my beer drinking friends.
Sierra Nevada is a great brewery – their beer rocks. I’m super-thrilled to hear them taking a stand against this hijacking of their good name. Keep on keepin on SN!
Pingback: Tweets that mention Sierra Nevada - Drug WarRant -- Topsy.com