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Review content:
I have to admit, I have never been to the Nook. I own the Blind Tiger Ale House in NYC (one of the first totally dedicated craft beer bars in the city). Beyond just worrying about my business, I have a true dedication to the whole craft beer movement both nationally and globally. After I earned my place in the world of Artisanal beers, I decided that one day I would move home (to Huntsville, or at least Alabama) to open my own little beer bar. Fortunately, my friends from home told me someone beat me to it, and, boy, was I thrilled. A few years ago I stumbled upon these archaic ABV laws: I was so pleased that Alabama was filled with enough beer geeks to knock down these very unAmerican laws (there was a law stating that distributor could not sell beers over 6 OR 8%..cause teens loving spending 35.00 to buy a Chimay Grande Reserve!). Needless to say, I signed and rallied in support of my Southern brothers and sisters. The laws themselves really lend themselves to the misconception that beer is just swill. I didn't see too many issues in regards of wines, but beer is just like the south: if you believe in the stereotypes of all beers and all southerners are the same - low class and one dimensional. Yeah, little do they know we have the deepest roots in this country's identity, a wide variety of esoteric flavors, and walk hand in hand with the environment. All this law did was hurt small American businesses (like these beer bars, brew pubs, and breweries that pretty much operate on sheer passion), prevent adult tax payers from enjoying a part of American culture that has now been revitalized in local beer production and further solidify the untrue social stereotype that beer doesn't hold the complexity that its grape based cousin does. Regardless, I'm very excited our voices were heard and accepted - as I see the Nook is doing very well. To see such an awesome variety in my home town - which is filled with people with sophisticated tastes regardless of what people's misconceptions are about Alabama. We know our foods, wines and, now, beers. Enjoy this adventure, try something new... Congratulations to the Nook on introducing Huntsville to this adventure in to the amazing world of craft beer. I guess, I'll ask for a job when I visit!
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