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Small, Independent, Traditional

An American craft brewer is small, independent, and traditional.

The Brewers Association created the definition of what a craft brewer is so the organization could provide statistics on a growing beer industry segment consisting of the majority of the breweries in the US.

An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. Small: Annual production of beer less than 2 million barrels. Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not themselves a craft brewer.

Visit the Brewers Association for more information on Craft Brewer Defined and Market Segments (this page overviews the four distinct markets: brewpubs, microbreweries, regional craft breweries, and contract brewing companies).

As craft brewers have come of age, little did the world know that their full flavored craft beers would generate such passion and excitement. Today is a great time to be a beer lover, and as a nation, we now have more beer styles and beer brands to choose from than any other market in the world. This was not always the case if you look at the History of Beer in the US prior to 1980.

Over 1,500 breweries are responsible for the beer brands made in the US with more than 90% of these fitting the small and independent craft brewer definition (visit Brewers Association: Number of Breweries). These craft breweries have had many successes and challenges, but they could not have developed the reputation as producers of the world's best beer without the support of beer lovers globally. As of 2008 US craft brewers represented a mere 6.3% (visit Brewers Association: Facts) of the overall beer sales in the US. That seems like such a small sliver considering that millions of adults enjoy, support and are loyal to their local breweries.

I Am A Craft Brewer from I Am A Craft Brewer on Vimeo.

It is important to point out that craft brewers face many challenges including access to market (do you ever find yourself asking why you cannot get your favorite beer at your local restaurants and taverns?), cost challenges of raw materials and ingredients, operation in a highly regulated and highly taxed industry and more. Remember, when you support your local brewery, you are supporting the community and culture of craft brewing in the US, which then helps our craft brewers provide jobs and support back to their local communities!

What is most exciting is that today's craft brewers are often viewed as local personalities who practice their art with authentic intentions, and their beers are the expression of their individual passion and drive to make the best beer in the world.

Photo © 2010 John Baise, Odell Brewing Company