Craft Beer Today

According to the Brewers Association website beertown.org, American craft beer brewers fit a profile that includes:

Small - meaning produces less than 2 million barrels per year, which is no problem for the average craft brewer and allows for the inclusion of companies like Samuel Adams.

Independent - Where less than 25% of the brewery is owned or controlled by a member of the alcoholic beverage industry who is not the brewer him/herself.

Traditional - The brewer has either an all malt flagship beer or has at least 50% of their volume in either all malt beers or in beers which use adjuncts to enhance the flavor instead of lightening it.

Although the economy negatively affected other segments of the beer industry, the craft beer industry has done quite well. According to the Brewers Association, craft beer for the first half of 2009 was up 5% in volume and 9% in dollars.

Most Brewers in 100 Years

Additionally, there were 1,525 brewers on July 31, 2009, which is the highest total in 100 years. If you are in Southern California like we are, and a fan of craft beer, you just might be in the perfect place. For example, San Diego is now home to 33 craft breweries. Many folks are starting to think of San Diego as the Napa of craft beer. Recently Men’s Journal Magazine named San Diego the number one Beer City in the country.

With lots of options in styles, tastes, additives and varied levels of alcohol contents there is something for everyone. So whether you are an old hand at craft beer or a newbie, you've got lots of brews to discover and enjoy.

Note: While you are enjoying beer tasting and drinking please remember to drink responsibly.