American Craft Beer Week Starts Today!

Posted May 11, 2020 by Alyssa Stahr

From on tap to carry out and delivery, the craft beer industry has had to shift the way they provide us with our favorite ales, lagers, IPAs and saisons. And even though the brewing industry has faced a huge battle with coronavirus’ stay-at-home orders, it has not even come close to tapping out. There’s a reason to celebrate, and that’s with American Craft Beer Week, kicking off today and running through May 17. 

There are several ways you can support your local brewery during craft beer week:

  1. Sign up for the Independent Craft Brewer Supporter Seal. If your business, organization or website supports independent craft breweries in the U.S., you’re eligible! For information on who can license the seal, how to adopt it and how to display it, along with eligibility requirements, click here.
  2. Shop local. That’s been a huge theme throughout this time of social distancing. Brewers should make a point especially during this week to share on social how they can be supported in the upcoming weeks. Are you providing delivery? Carry out only? There’s currently a list of more than 1,000 breweries on the toolkit list. Click here to find a brewery near you. 
  3. Commit to Giving Beer. Tough one, we know. Just because we’re under restrictions now doesn’t mean we won’t in the future. Take this time to support independent brewery business by looking forward with gift cards or merchandise purchases. Have a friend who’s feeling down? Have their favorite beer delivered to their door to get some beer-to-go and give it as a gift. Learn more here. 
  4. Start a new hobby! During American Craft Beer Week, you can learn about Great American Beer Bars, enroll in a Beer 101 Course or a Beer & Food Course, find new craft beer recipes, learn about beer styles, and yes, even estimate your blood alcohol content with a content calculator. All fun things to do from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Keith, Alison and Jonathan have had the privilege of visiting an endless amount of craft breweries over the years, both for fun and to chat about honey. They’ve picked their top 3 favorite breweries they would visit right now if they could — definitely something to look forward to also in the future.

Keith’s Picks

Jester King: I’m betting this is on Jonathan and Alison’s list as well! Not much needs to be said about this beautiful farm brewery in Austin, Texas. Amazing people, amazing beer and an ethos that resonates with me on a personal level and a beer drinking level. I think if the question was name any place you would want to be in the United States, my answer would still be Jester King. 

2nd Shift: If I could be at any brewery, why would I choose one 25 minutes from my house? Because, a visit to 2nd Shift with my family in tow would signal a return to the normalcy that I long for. Plus, they make great beer and are great people. 

Hill Farmstead: I just cancelled a Vermont vacation to Hill Farmstead, and it’s killing me. Even though I’ve never been, there is no place I’d rather be than at Hill Farmstead in mid-June with the family. Maybe next year …

Alison’s Picks

(Keith was right!) Jester King: I am missing our annual Spring Honey Beer Summit to Austin where we visit our good friends at Jester King Brewery. Besides the amazing beer, the folks out there are so friendly and welcoming. They make you feel right at home, and even let you drink with their goats!

Service Brewing Company: Part of my heart will always belong to Savannah, Ga. I was fortunate to live there for 7 months, and I would frequent Service Brewing Company. 1. They have their own bees. 2. They have the best southern hospitality. 3. They donate and support those who serve our country, run by those who served time themselves.

Cascade Brewing Company: I am a HUGE sour beer fan, and Cascade makes my favorite beers in the country. Two years ago, I even had the chance to tap my own beer there! To sit amongst friends with my favorite beer in my hand, that would be amazing.

SideProject Brewing: Although this brewery is right in my backyard (or across the river in St. Louis, Mo.), I would kill to sit in their taproom and sip on one of my favorite sour beers. I miss seeing my city and supporting local craft. I will be sure to stop by and grab a beer or five when it is time.

Jonathan’s Picks

Dogfish Head: I love Palo Santo wood. I burn it frequently. I wear Palo Santo oil. Their Palo Santo Marron Brown Ale is in my top 5 beers of all time. Aside from that, their 60-, 90- and 120-minute IPAs are some of the tastiest on the market. Never afraid of trying something new and unique always well crafted.

Fonta Flora: I had the honor of meeting Todd Boera, head brewer and co-founder, at a work event. Sweet man. Extremely creative, educated, whimsical even. His use of local botanicals, found and foraged, always is refreshing and exciting.

Stillwater Artisanal: I have no idea where they brew these days, but EVERYTHING I have ever had from them is exceptional. I love a saison. I love dry beers. Their Sake Saison also in my top beers of all time. If I find it on a shelf, I’ll buy it all! Also, their artwork is one of, if not the best in the industry, in my humble opinion.

These are breweries I haven’t been to. Our work takes us to many of the greatest and most innovative breweries in the country. Very lucky!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

CATEGORY:

Let us know your pursuits. We’ll find the best way to get you there.