The presidential election is finally over and boy was it was a doozy. No matter how you voted, many people are left today with what we like to call an “election hangover.” Well, we have the perfect panacea. While there might be a lot of fear and negativity in your Facebook newsfeed, here are four big reasons why you should feel good about craft beer.
Tap Rooms Everywhere
With more than 4,269 craft breweries in the U.S., chances are there is a brewery not that far from where you are right now. In fact, 78% of adults live within 10 miles of a craft brewery! That means more than 2/3 of the American people (of drinking age) live withing a short drive or UBER ride away from craft beer bliss. That’s certainly something to celebrate.
More Choices Than Ever
There are more than 155 beer styles documented by the Brewers Association. Before the craft beer movement, the number of available styles was much more limited. American beers were typically lagers and light ales with a stout thrown in for good measure. But with the incredible number of breweries listed above, the competition for market share is fierce and competition drives creativity. Small, independent breweries have not only brought back older European styles that haven’t seen the light of day for years, but they have created their own (hello, modern IPA!) styles that show the true innovative spirit of craft beer.
Craft Beer Supports Local Communities
Craft breweries are often deeply embedded within their local communities. This is evident in the 2014 stat showing that craft breweries donated $71 million to charities, most within their own communities. This adds up to $3.35 per barrel produced going to charities. That is no small number, especially when compared with the reported 35 cents per barrel that AB InBev donates to charity.
Craft Beer Boosts the Economy
While it may seem obvious that craft beer has helped to boost our country’s economy, the numbers are really staggering. Craft beer has contributed more than $55 billion to the U.S. economy and put 424,000 people to work. Not only that, but craft beer is an integral part of many community’s tourism. San Diego Beer Week is a perfect example of this as we see our city flooded with craft beer lovers from other cities, states, and even countries. This brings in much-needed money to our local economy when they stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants and drink at our bars and breweries.
So turn that frown upside down…or keep on celebrating. Either way, craft beer will be there for you.
Cheers!