So, you’ve heard of American Craft Beer Week and want to learn more. While we don’t particularly need a reason to enjoy some American craft beer, we will never complain about having one! But what exactly is American Craft Beer Week? And why do people celebrate it? Keep reading to find out all about American Craft Beer Week.
What is American Craft Beer Week?
Started in 2006 by the Brewers Association, American Craft Beer Week is a week dedicated to supporting craft and independent breweries across the country.
When is American Craft Beer Week?
American Craft Beer Week is celebrated annually the week of May 16th through May 22nd.
How is American Craft Beer Week celebrated?
Since American Craft Beer Week is all about celebrating and supporting craft and independent breweries, the best thing you can do is support them! If you’re not normally a craft beer drinker, swap out your big brand beer for some craft beer for the week. Don’t worry; it shouldn’t be hard to find! After all, you probably live within 10 miles of a craft brewery! Check out CraftBeer.com's Brewery Finder to easily find craft and independent breweries in your area.
If you’re already a fan of craft beer, American Craft Beer Week is the perfect time to mix up your brew-tine. What exactly does that mean? Well, it’s different for everyone! You could visit a new craft brewery, try some styles that you don’t typically go for, introduce a friend to craft beer, buy some beer merch (there are so many fabulous options!), or even just spread the world about American Craft Beer Week through social media or in-person.
When it comes to celebrating American Craft Beer Week, the most important thing to do is to support craft and independent breweries. After all, that’s the whole point! Visit your local (or not local, we love a road trip!) craft brewery, or check for the Independent Craft Brewer Seal when you’re at your local liquor or grocery store.
Who can celebrate American Craft Beer Week?
That’s the great thing: anyone (of legal age!) can celebrate American Craft Beer Week! International collaborations and craft beer boutiques have American craft beer on shelves and in coolers around the world. If you were determined to try an American independent beer from a particular brewery, thanks to airlines and ice packs, top-notch American craft beer can be shipped around the world without ever having the chance to get warm*.
Where is American Craft Beer Week celebrated?
Since it’s American Craft Beer Week, it is primarily celebrated in America. However, it can be celebrated anywhere as long as you have an American craft beer to drink or some independent brewery swag to rock.
Why is American Craft Beer Week important?
American Craft Beer Week is important because it brings support, attention, and awareness to the craft and independent brewing industry that is deserves. In 1994, there were 537 craft breweries operating in the United States. Since then, that number has increased to more than 8,500 craft or independent breweries, accounting for around 12% of the overall beer market. Considering that there are fewer than 150 large, non-craft breweries in the United States which account for approximately two-thirds of the national beer market, in our (humble and unsolicited) opinion, that 12% of the market is pretty low considering the time, effort, and skill craft and independent brewers put into their drinkable masterpieces. American Craft Beer Week helps introduce new people to the benefits of craft beer and independent breweries, and aims to continue to increase amount of the national beer market that is claimed by craft and independent breweries. After all, the American craft beer industry is responsible for more than a million jobs!
TL;DR
American Craft Beer Week is May 16th through May 22nd, and is dedicated to supporting independent and craft breweries across the country. Anyone can celebrate American Craft Beer Week by drinking American craft beer, wearing independent brewery merch, or sharing awareness about the deliciousness (and importance) of American independent beer.
*Okay, it might not be super easy, but it can be done! Check the laws (both locally and internationally) before shipping American craft beer. We don’t want you to get in trouble, and we are not responsible if you do.