Simple words, huge impact.
Sorry, I have to start with some simple math. In 2015, overall beer production in the US was slightly down (.2%) versus 2014. But did you know that craft beer production was up 12.8%?
If we break beer into three categories: domestic, craft, and import, craft now accounts for 12.2% of beer in the US.
There are now well over 4,000 microbreweries, brewpubs and regional breweries in the US. 4,000! There are 44 “non-craft” breweries in the US. So, 44 breweries account for almost 88% of US beer. 4,000+ micros only provide 12.2%. But craft breweries are growing and starting at a very fast rate, and the big boys are certainly taking notice. (Note what happened recently with Terrapin becoming part of the MillerCoors behemoth.)
This is where you come in. And this is really less about the craft vs. macro debate. That’s a discussion for another day. This is about exploring … and supporting. When you travel, do a little research and find some good local brews. Check out some great sites/ apps like Beer Mapping Project, TapHunter, and CraftBeer.com. (FYI, the clickable map on craftbeer.com is pretty flipping awesome.) Just give it a try. Now, I’m not saying that you have to set aside time to go visit the brewery. Just familiarize yourself with some of the local choices, and then head to the local watering hole, which SHOULD have some local flavors on tap. If they don’t – you might need a new local watering hole.
What happens when you drink local?
- You support a small, local business. Listen, AB-InBev and MillerCoors are not hurting for income. But the lady next door who started a brewery out of her love for beer – she might need more support getting her dream off the ground. Buying those products supports the local economy and can help the fledgling brewery achieve its goals.
- You can be the one to alert your friends about a new beer or brewery. If you use Untappd like I do. you will often check in with a beer that thousands of people have had. However, sometimes
you can find one with hardly any notice … yet. Don’t you feel like a trailblazer when you can tell your friends, “Hey, next time you’re heading through Auburn/ Opelika, Alabama, stop by Red Clay Southern Bumpkin.” Be the trendsetter!
- You can continue to expand your horizons. Yes, I like a Fat Tire or a Sweetwater 420 as much as the next guy, but I can get those just about any day. When I was in Kansas City this week, I had the great joy to have a KC Bier Co Dunkel and a Freestate Copperhead. Both delicious and both likely not found anywhere near where I live.
- Last week, I went to a brewery near the house – Gate City. I have had their Copperhead Amber before, and it was awesome. But visiting the brewery gave me the opportunity to enjoy about 5 or 6 more tastes. I learned about their beer, I learned about my taste preferences, I supported a local business. Life can’t get better!
- And tonight, I return for my second trip to Abbey of the Holy Goats. If nothing else, I love for them for the fun name. But the beer is simply AWESOME. I tell ya – #DRINKLOCAL. You’ll love the ride!
