diff --git a/eqip/version_info.py b/eqip/version_info.py
index 05d20a0..58ae948 100644
--- a/eqip/version_info.py
+++ b/eqip/version_info.py
@@ -23,6 +23,9 @@ def tag(self):
     def version(self):
         return __version__
 
+    def is_release(self):
+        return self.tag() == ''
+
     def __str__(self):
         return self.version()