07/11/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2025
Missouri Ridge Distillery & Brewery Celebrates Passage of the American Beer Act
New Law Reduces Excise Tax on American-Made Beer; Supported by Missouri Craft Brewers Guild
Branson MO — Missouri Ridge Distillery & Brewery is proud to celebrate the signing of House Bill 1041, also known as the American Beer Act, which includes a major win for Missouri’s craft brewers. The bill, signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe on July 10, 2025 includes a provision that will reduce Missouri’s excise tax on beer produced by American breweries from $0.06 per gallon to $0.02 per gallon, effective January 1, 2026.
“This excise tax relief is a game-changer for small, independent breweries like ours,” said Owner M. Gregory Pope, Master Distiller/Brewer of Missouri Ridge Distillery & Brewery “Every penny counts when you're running a small business, and this will allow us to reinvest in our equipment, staff, and community.”
While House Bill 1041 includes a variety of updates to Missouri’s beverage alcohol statutes, the excise tax cut stands out as a meaningful step toward supporting American-made products and easing financial pressures on breweries that are still recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Missouri Craft Brewers Guild, which represents more than 170 independent craft breweries throughout the state, worked closely with lawmakers and industry partners—such as Anheuser-Busch—to advocate for this legislation. Missouri Ridge Distillery & Brewery joined fellow Guild members in supporting this bill and sharing their stories with legislators during the 2025 legislative session.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Representative Diehl and Senator Gregory for championing this effort, and to Governor Kehoe for signing it into law,” added Pope. “This is a strong signal that Missouri values its local brewing community and wants to see it thrive.”
About Missouri Ridge Distillery & Brewery
We are Branson’s first brewery and one of Missouri’s most award-winning distilleries. We opened our doors in November 2016, and we keep 14 spirits, and multiple beers at the ready in our tasting room. Master Distiller Greg Pope is currently the Vice President of the Missouri Craft Distillers Guild and chairs their Legislative Committee. Pope is also a proud member of the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild, and member of their legislative committee.
About the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild
The Missouri Craft Brewers Guild is a non-profit trade association representing the state’s independent craft breweries. The Guild promotes and protects the interests of Missouri’s craft brewers through advocacy, education, and community-building initiatives.
Media Contact: M. Gregory Pope
Master Distiller/ Brewer
417-699-4095 [email protected]
www.missouriridgedistillery.com