Congressman Dave Reichert recently visited Icicle Brewing Company in Leavenworth, Washington to talk about the Small BREW Act. Below is the official press release from his visit.
April 7th, 2015: Congressman Dave Reichert visits Icicle Brewing Co.
Congressman Dave Reichert with
Icicle Brewing Company owners Pamela and Oliver Brulotte
On April 6th, Icicle Brewing Company hosted Congressman Dave Reichert (Washington State’s 8th Congressional District) as he visited their brewery to understand more about the effects of the Small Brewer Reinvestment and Expanding Workforce Act (Small BREW Act).
The goal of the Small BREW Act is to cut the small brewer federal excise tax rate on the first 60,000 barrels from $7.00 to $3.50 per barrel. In 2014, Icicle Brewing Company averaged as the 18th largest beer producer in Washington State (out of 204) with 4,507 barrels of beer produced in that year. In their 4 years as a small craft brewery, Icicle Brewing Company’s beer production has grown 28.7%. At this rate, if this bill were to pass, the money saved would help afford Icicle Brewing Company room to grow through new jobs or equipment. The idea is that with the growth of these breweries, the taxes saved at first, will be made up through their expansion and taxes accrued from that growth.
Congressman enjoying a sample of Icicle Brewing’s award winning Dark Persuasion German Chocolate Cake Ale
Congressman Reichert (a member of the House Small Brewers Caucus) was invited to Icicle Brewing Company by owner Pamela Brulotte, an Executive Committee Board Member of the Washington Brewers Guild, to tour the brewery and help get a sense of how their brewery and local community of Leavenworth, Washington would benefit from the passing of this bill.
The acronym BREW in the bill’s name, which stands for “Brewer Reinvestment and Expanding Workforce”, was in full effect at Icicle Brewing upon the Congressman’s visit as he met 2 newly hired employees (1st day and 5th day) and was on hand while a new larger cold liquor tank was being installed.
Upon Congressman Reichert’s arrival, he was greeted by Pam and co-owner husband, Oliver Brulotte, and served a sample of their award winning Dark Persuasion German Chocolate Cake Ale. His visit encompassed a tour of the tasting room and the Brewhouse where Icicle Brewing Company’s Lagers and Ales are made, visits with staff, sharing of personal stories, and a bit of brass tax (literally!). The discussion between the Congressman and the Brulottes regarding the Small BREW Act was educational for both parties and both seemed to walk away with a greater understanding of the beer, the bill, and the political process it will undergo.
Congressman Reichert along with owners Pam and Oliver Brulotte and staff during the tour of the brewery
The Brulotte’s and Congressman Reichert emphasized the need to continue the conversation between breweries and their local legislator, so that local, small craft breweries remain engaged in the political process. By doing so we can ensure that when people think of American-Made beer, they think of the community of local, small craft breweries!
For details about Icicle Brewing Company please feel free to contact us at:
Website: www.iciclebrewing.com
Email: iciclebrewing@gmail.com
Phone: 509-548-BREW (2739)
