This week I’m writing a “random notes and thoughts” sort of column, and as I was assembling it, I noticed a political theme emerging. This is a beer column, of course, and I largely avoid anything overtly political, but this week, there are several marginally political elements – although nothing that’s rabidly partisan or that should rile anyone up too much.

Let’s kick off this column with a nod to former President Jimmy Carter, who just celebrated his 99th birthday. Now, you may wonder what does Jimmy Carter have to do with beer? Well, as it turns out, he played a significant role in starting the craft brewing movement in the U.S. Back in 1978, Carter legalized homebrewing, which had been heavily restricted since the time of Prohibition. Thanks to his signature, amateur brewers were now allowed to make up to 100 gallons per person per year, or 200 gallons per household. This seemingly small change had a profound impact on the craft brewing industry, paving the way for its growth and success. So, happy birthday, Jimmy! Your contribution to beer brewing will never be forgotten.

Moving on to another noteworthy event – Congress managed to get its act together and avoid a government shutdown. While this is significant for many reasons that extend beyond beer, we’re particularly glad that the Treasury Department will be able to continue its role in approving all new beer labels and beer exports. It may seem like a minor detail, but without these approvals, the beer industry would have faced a significant setback. So, cheers to Congress for keeping the beer flowing!

Now, let’s delve into a topic that has oddly become intertwined with politics – climate change. A recent story highlighted how the ongoing climate crisis could have a detrimental effect on the world’s beer supply, potentially reducing it by 16%. As the earth warms up, the availability of barley, water, and hops, the key ingredients in beer, could be greatly impacted. Furthermore, even if these ingredients do manage to survive, they may be altered in ways that negatively affect the taste and quality of beer. One example is the impact of excess heat on barley grains, which could lead to a longer conversion process of starch into sugar, ultimately affecting alcohol production. It’s alarming to think that climate change is not only disrupting our environment but also threatening one of life’s simple pleasures – enjoying a cold brew.

You would expect that the numerous problems triggered by climate change would compel us to take immediate action. However, sometimes it takes an impact on our personal pleasures, like the potential 16% drop in beer production, to truly drive the urgency. This situation should make beer lovers everywhere sit up and take notice. It’s time we recognize the gravity of the climate crisis and work towards finding sustainable solutions before even our favorite indulgences are compromised.

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So, let’s raise a glass to the intersection of beer and politics in this week’s column. While we may not usually associate these two realms, they do manage to intersect every now and then, reminding us of the diverse and unexpected ways in which they can intertwine. Until next time, cheers!