We sit down with the NBWA’s David Christman, a more than 20-year veteran of the National Beer Wholesalers Association who today manages state-level affairs for the association and is a main point of contact for state wholesaler associations. They discuss a number of issues impacting every tier of the Three Tier system, from “crossover” brands (a la hard sodas and teas) to post-COVID direct-to-consumer regulations, craft beer challenges, the rise of canned cocktails and Virginia’s new self-distribution system for brewers.

We sit down with the NBWA’s David Christman, a more than 20-year veteran of the National Beer Wholesalers Association who today manages state-level affairs for the association and is a main point of contact for state wholesaler associations. They discuss a number of issues impacting every tier of the Three Tier system, from “crossover” brands (a la hard sodas and teas) to post-COVID direct-to-consumer regulations, craft beer challenges, the rise of canned cocktails and Virginia’s new self-distribution system for brewers.

Before we kickoff what is sure to be one of the wildest election years in Virginia history, in which all 140 seats are up for grabs, first thing’s first: the 2023 Virginia General Assembly convenes today with a Republican-controlled House of Delegates and Democratic-held Senate.

At the Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association, here’s where we are focused as we head into this short session (at least 30 days in odd years, though the session is highly likely to be extended).

We sit down with Lester Jones, Chief Economist for the National Beer Wholesalers Association. Lester’s the guy industry watchers and media turn to for insights into not only the wholesale tier, but the brewer and retail levels, too. He brings us a look at what the next few months could bring beer makers, distributors, and sellers, and discusses the blurring lines in tastes and consumer preferences. Be sure to also view/download Lester’s latest industry update.

Travis Hill took some time to talk to VBWA from the new ABC headquarters in Hanover County, a sprawling 40-acre, 315,000-square-foot site (expandable to nearly 400,000 square feet) that sees every bottle of liquor sold in the Commonwealth pass through its warehouse. He discussed this new location, his upbringing, detailed the latest on enforcement hiring, and even shared his favorite spirit. Read a portion of his interview here, or listen on our podcast below.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has a message for Virginia’s beer distributors: “Thanks for what you do, for being job creators and poverty destroyers. Because you have provided so many opportunities and so many jobs — good paying jobs — both blue collar and white collar.”

We’re kicking off The Tap Line with an interview with one of our own: Phil Boykin, president and CEO of the VBWA, who will offer a roundup of the 2022 Virginia General Assembly session. The session covered a range of bills that impact beer consumption and distribution in Virginia.