NATION IN BRIEF : MARYLAND : County Is First to Sell Own Liquor

The Washington suburb of Montgomery County has become the first county in the nation to have its own brand of alcohol, offering its County Crest line in liquor stores. Gin, rum, Bourbon, vodka and Scotch have been sold since last month under the label, which features a knight’s helmet and shield. The County Crest line was described by County Executive Sidney Kramer as a marketing move to make Montgomery’s county-run liquor stores competitive with neighboring jurisdictions. Montgomery County is the only local government in the nation that controls the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages.