American Craft Beer Week begins next Monday, May 16th. It’s being sponsored by the Brewers Association and CraftBeer.com and, as indicated on the website, “offers an exciting opportunity for small and independent craft brewers and the community of better beer retailers to feature craft beer in their community.”
This craft beer celebration week has been around since 2006, but for the first time ever, events will be sponsored in all 50 states, making this the first truly national event. This is a great trend, as the craft beer industry seems to be right on the verge of becoming more than a minor nuisance to the commercial beer giants. US sales reached $7.6 Billion last year, representing just over 7.5% of total beer sales. If that doesn’t sound like a lot, here’s a little perspective:
Somewhat surpassingly, congress even passed a resolution supporting “the goals and ideals of American Craft Beer Week.” It’s on C-Span:
I didn’t realize a discussion about beer could be so boring. But it’s a nice gesture nonetheless.
Unfortunately, there don’t seem to be too many events scheduled in Massachusetts. Here’s what’s lined up:
05.20.11 – HarpoonFest (306 Northern Avenue, Boston)
05.21.11 – Mayflower Brewing Open House (12 Resnik Road, Plymouth)
But that’s okay. Just grab a few local brews with some friends next week, and appreciate all of the great beer options we now have as a result of the craft beer movement.