In amongst all the daily beer news items about this guy beating up that guy over a case of beer...or these guys passing a law that will never work to stop this guy beating up that guy over a case of beer...you find a gem like an article in the Charleston (Regional) Business Journal by Molly Parker (but not that Molly Parker, as illustrated) entitled "Debate Brewing Between Local Beer Brands, State Law" about the state of craft brewing in South Carolina.

Why such praise for a rather humbly sourced piece? First, it neatly summarizes the three-tier system - something that confuses every non-American (not anti-, just non-) I have ever met. Then, it contextualizes that system into the current moment and the need for change to assist in the development of local craft brewing. Illustrating how specific beer-related legal reform makes for economic development is always a winner for me. Then the whole thing is interspersed with interviews with a range of craft brewers, providing the reader with a basic entry into the scene in the state.

Good beer reporting...unless it is all rubbish. But that's always the case. Yet in this case, I don't get the sense as Molly Parker's bit carries the right sort of confidence. Plus she is not a dedicated beer writer as the news about her 2007 move to South Carolina from Peoria indicates. So, unless it is all a pack of lies, good work for a regional non-beer publication and good for Molly Parker...the other one.