You’re paying
too much for this beer. And it’s not because Anheuser-Busch, the
manufacturer, is overcharging you. No, the unscrupulous scoundrel
responsible for overcharging you for your beer is none other than Uncle Sam
himself, who doubled the beer tax back in 1990 to help out his bottom line.
At the same time, luxury taxes were imposed on such items as yachts,
jewelry, small airplanes and fur coats but guess what? The taxes were lifted
on those back in 1993, while the 16-cent a six-pack increase in the levy on
beer remains in full force. This is simply preposterous, and socially
regressive as well. Where is the logic in dropping taxes on items purchased
mostly by the wealthy while retaining them on a commodity purchased mainly
by lower and middle-income families? Your guess is as good as mine.
To be sure, 16 cents a six-pack may not seem like a lot, but consider the
fact that this tax (the full beer tax is 33 cents per six-pack) is added at
the production level. What does that mean? It means the brewer adds it to
his production cost as an expense and marks up on it when selling his wares.
The distributor and retailer do the same, meaning that those 33 cents can
quickly become a dollar at point of sale, four dollars on a case. It is
estimated that taxes comprise a whopping 44% of the price of beer
when bought at retail. What’s worse, you end up paying tax on a tax
when sales taxes are figured in.
Recently, a Pennsylvania congressman proposed a rollback of the beer tax
increase. Neo-prohibitionists have assailed the move. Their sentiments are
misplaced and incongruous with any benevolent social concern. Beer is a
legal beverage that can be beneficial in moderation, and attempts to
reduce its consumption through social engineering are a step in the wrong
direction. . The theory that charging more for alcohol will lead to
lower consumption has not worked, and has only served to regressively tax
lower income families.
Smaller brewers are exempted from the tax, but larger ones must pay it. That
means you’re paying the tax on beers like Michelob Honey Lager. What
can you do about this? Contact your senator or representative and express
your displeasure about the beer tax.
Michelob Honey Lager is one of the many recently introduced beers in
the Michelob family, a family that came in to being in response to the craft
beer movement. Other specialty beers include an Amber Bock, Hefeweizen, Pale
Ale and Black and Tan. A generous dose of caramel malt is detectable in the
beer; two-row is used as well. Natural wildflower honey is used to spice the
brew as well as Hallertau, Willamette, Tettnang, and Pacific Northwest
Hallertau hops.
Michelob Honey Lager pours to a light golden brown color with a thick fizzy
head formation and a rich candyish nose. The palate is smooth and malty with
hints of melon and Bit-O-Honey candy, toasty malt, and green apple
acetaldehyde.The finish is on the sweet side with a rich warming character,
punctuated nicely by a gentle kiss of hops. I was surprised how much I liked
this beer.
There is an appetizing sweetness and richness to this beer that would pair
it well with many foods. I enjoyed it with a perfectly seasoned ribeye
steak, a baked sweet potato with butter, and a tossed garden salad with
garlic ranch dressing and peppercorns. The sweetness of the beer worked
wonderfully with the potato, while the malt body paired nicely with the
meat.
Might I suggest this beer as a stress reliever while doing your taxes?
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.