It is not everyday that I go out of my way give one of our competitors a pat on the back, but I want to commend Anheuser-Busch for backing a new law taking effect this year in California that will allow free beer tastings at restaurant and bars. Of course, the necessary limits will be placed on these free samplings but this is a great way for our customers to try new products.

While our wines and spirits have been sampled by consumers for a number of years, I think it simply makes sense that beer has all the same opportunities , especially since all alcohol drinks, when served with a standard size serving (12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, 1 and 1/2 oz spirits), contain the same amount of alcohol. There is no reason beer should be discriminated against. Diageo has a number of great-tasting drinks in the beer category including Guinness, Red Stripe and our flavored malt beverages like Smirnoff Twisted V and Smirnoff Raw Tea.  I’m glad to see that adult consumers in the  State of California can try some of our great brands for the first time in bars and restaurants thanks to this law. …and they can try some of A-B’s great brands too!

I’m all for providing consumers with choice and variety and I’m thrilled that Californians can now experiment a little more with their beers! 

Cheers!

guy