Strange Brew

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has banned taste contests for home-brewed beer, as well as home-brew club tasting nights. It has even barred people from taking home-brewed beer to a friend's home to drink. The bans are part of a reinterpretation of a state law that bars unlicensed brewers from brewing beer except for "home consumption." Because of the new ruling, the Oregon State Fair has canceled this year's beer and wine competitions.