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Support Your Local Brewery

By Andy Sparhawk, Brewers Association

The majority of Americans live within 10 miles of a brewery, thus one can experience the authenticity, spirit and art of local craft brewers in less than an hour from home in most cases. These breweries are local businesses that help support thousands of communities across the US in a myriad of ways. So the next time you stop in to your local brewpub or visit a tap room, feel confident that your patronage is helping to support local businesses in your community and realize that nothing tastes as good or feels as satisfying as fresh local craft beer.

Do you want to support local businesses, but can't get to a nearby brewery? Consider asking for local craft beer at your favorite pub or restaurant. Often, the only way a restaurant will carry a beer brand is when customers tell them they would have ordered the beer if it had been on the menu.

Why support your local brewery?

• Local craft beer has traveled only a short distance to arrive in your glass.
• Drinking local craft beer supports not just the brewery, but local businesses beyond the brewery.
• Small and independent craft breweries bring tourist dollars to your local community and state.
• Enjoying local beer reduces your beer's carbon footprint.
• Remember, what feels good tastes even better!

Want to get more serious about supporting your local brewery?

• Spread the word about your favorite local brewery. Small breweries don't have big advertising dollars, thus their marketing is all grassroots. Often, the only way they can get the word out is through one beer lover at a time.
• Drinking local is one thing, but becoming an activist takes it to a whole new level. Being small and independent businesses, craft breweries lack the power and money to defend themselves against unfair legislation or regulation. Visit the website Support Your Local Brewery to learn how to help protect American beer culture, the craft beer movement and the local businesses that produce your favorite craft beers.

Andy Sparhawk is the Craft Beer Program Coordinator at the Brewers Association. He is also a homebrewer, beer lover and certified Cicerone. Andy loves enjoying craft beer at fine local breweries, and he is one of the key Brewers Association staffers assisting the ‘Support Your Local Brewery’ program.