California judge rules FMBs will be taxed like beer, not distilled spirits
In the eyes of the judge, Mike’s Hard Lemonade is beer…or should at least be taxed as such…
A state appeals court has struck down a 1,550% increase in excise tax on certain flavored malt beverages such as hard lemonade, hard ice tea and Smirnoff Ice. These beverages have some characteristics of beer and some of distilled spirits, the court noted.
Breweries: Mike's Hard Lemonade Co.
Beers: Mike's Hard Lemonade
This is a no-brainer. These drinks are fermented from a clear neutral MALT base, and are NOT distilled. TTB views them as beer, as does the basic laws of chemistry. Thanks for finally waking up on this, CA.