Before Christopher Columbus and the New World, there was beer.
Before Aristotle, there was beer.
It is even argued that before bread, there was beer.
Despite humanity’s long-lasting infatuation with beer, our love affair with booze—like a fine wine—only gets better over time. Today, thanks in part to the craft maker movement, the popularity of micro and craft breweries has skyrocketed in recent years. And, unlike the mass-market beers of those college days, these microbrews all taste fantastic.
In 2012, 90% of beer in the US originated from two companies—Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors. Some economists argue that this duopoly stifled creativity and innovation, creating a dissatisfied consumer base as the upcoming generation’s tastes became more diverse and consumers began valuing quality and community impact for their hard-earned dollar.
Thus began the craft beer movement.
Consumer taste has evolved. Even beyond beer, there is a counter-material revolution as Americans are increasingly looking for ways to support local businesses, get quality over quantity, and look for ways to spend money on “experiences” rather than material things. What better way to achieve all these goals than a good, local craft brewery?
Today, there are nearly 7,500 craft breweries in the US, compared to 2,300 in 2012. The only thing growing faster than the craft beer market is the yeast used to brew it. According to the American Brewers Association, breweries are considered “micro” if they produce less than 460,000 gallons per year. To be called “craft,” the limit is two million gallons and the brewery must be independently owned.
While Oregon, Colorado, and Maine are the top three states for brewing, the best town seems to be Portland, but not the one you’re thinking of. Portland, Maine, has this coveted spot, according to SmartAsset, with one microbrewery for every 4,000 residents.
So, the next time you’re looking for a cold drink to relax with, check out a microbrewery. There’s bound to be one wherever you may be.
Midlanders, keep an eye out for the city’s very first taproom, Tall City Brewery, serving up their very own craft beer! We are very excited about this investment coming soon.
