More people flock to stores on Black Friday than head to the polls to vote on election day. Which means there are lots of people out there who don’t like to vote. Since government seems inactive at best, we don’t even get much for our inaction.

Now you can be a non-voter and get benefits by joining the brand spanking new Los Angeles County Brewers Guild Enthusiasts Program. Your membership “supports the LABG’s efforts to protect and promote craft beer in L.A. and brings you many perks throughout the year.”

• Early-Bird Access and Discounts to Events including L.A. Beer Week Kickoff Festival in June 2016
• Monthly L.A. Beer Newsletter with featured events, deals, and news about your local brewers
• Limited Edition L.A. Beer glassware (ships after January 30, 2016, or available for local pick-up at select events)
• Annual Enthusiasts Membership Card (valid for select LABG brewery and partner-program discounts)
• + more fun goodies TBA!

Get your Los Angeles County Brewers Guild membership via the online pre-sale from now up until January 1, 2016 for $40.50 + service fee – before the rate goes up . It is the best way to show your pride and belief in the blossoming craft beer scene of Los Angeles.

The Beer of the Week celebrates my favorite number, 9. Beachwood BBQ 9 Double IPA Release honors their 9 years with 9 hops. The brand new double IPA includes Citra, Centennial, Chinook, Mosaic, Equinox, Nelson Sauvin, Galaxy, Warrior, & Comet and is available at both the Seal Beach and Long Beach locations on Thursday, December 17.

Hopped up water from H2OPS has been a godsend at festivals that I attended this year. It is always good to get and stay hydrated while also keeping your lupulin fueled palate revved up and ready for the next Session IPA, DIPA, or dry-hopped sour. Now they are being distributed around town in distinctive green bottles. Pick up a few and give it a try for this week’s Homework.

Find more of Sean Inman’s writing on his blog, Beer Search Party.