Image by Flickr user jcbehm Image by 20090729-beer.jpg

Sellers and brewers in North Carolina may soon be able to offer beer samples to would-be consumers.

Read more stories on this subject in our alcohol topic page.The Charlotte Observer reports that the state's Legislature appears poised to pass a new rule that would legalize tastings. 

Why does it matter? Because South Carolina brewers have been trying to get a similar rule passed here. But that effort has been met with much frustration.

So yes, once again North Carolina has something to rub in our faces. But on the upside, two years after our Northern sibling legalized high-gravity alcohol, so did we.

I'll drink to that bit of hope.