“In this interesting study, Douglas Glen Whitman has written the first free-market analysis I’ve seen of alcohol distribution. Strange Brew is a pioneering analysis of regulatory issues that affect every brewer. Whitman’s sensible reforms would result in lower prices for consumers and higher profits for brewers. Any brewer who has difficulties with his wholesalers will find Whitman’s thoughtful analysis to be very informative.”

– American Brewer

“The states have in essence given wholesalers of alcohol beverages small monopolies . . . and they seem to have no possible effect except to make the market work less freely. Strange Brew makes a strong case for their abolition. Anyone interested in markets will find this book fascinating.”

– Gordon Tullock, University Professor of Law and Economics, George Mason University

“Consumers can order almost anything online; everything that is except a case of wine from an out-of-state vintner. Direct-shipping bans in 30 states currently prohibit shipping wine directly from an out-of-state winery to the consumer. In Strange Brew, Whitman offers a thoughtful analysis of the economics and politics underlying these counterproductive laws. He demonstrates how these ‘monopoly protection laws’ are used by powerful special interests to restrict markets, deter competition and set higher prices in the industry.”

– California Farmer

“Public policy toward the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages has been suffering a hangover since the 1970s. Drunk on the political influence served up by the wholesalers of beer, wine and whiskey, state legislatures began making it more difficult for suppliers to terminate middlemen and, often, granting them exclusive territorial monopolies. Strange Brew provides a lucid and succinct summary of the economics and politics underlying these counterproductive state laws. Whitman’s thoughtful and accessible analysis is a sobering lesson in public policy formation of signal value to the millions of responsible consumers of alcoholic beverages who pay higher prices so that wholesalers can be insulated from competitive market forces.”

– William F. Shughart II, Barnard Distinguished Professor of Economics, University of Mississippi

“Written by an economist, Strange Brew makes the case against government-fostered wholesaler control of alcohol distribution, prohibition of direct shipping, franchise termination laws, exclusive territories, excessive taxes, and paternalistic posture, leading to restricted selection, high prices, and constraints leveled upon suppliers and consumers. . . . This is a tersely and clearly written book.”

– New England Wine Gazette