I wrote a diary a couple months back about American Craft Beer week, well it's here! May 16th through the 22nd. This is a great chance for those of you who don't usually drink Craft Beers to step out of your comfort zone and support your local breweries. Craft Brewers are making incredible beers all across the country. Even if you are not a beer drinker you might be surprised at the diversity of flavors in todays locally brewed beers.
I understand the compassion many of us have for supporting unions and because of that there are those who will only drink union beers. The problem is that just because it is made by union members doesn't always translate into a good product, or in this case, a beer worth drinking. Please consider supporting locally instead. You are helping the local economy, employing your neighbors and supporting a growing industry.
CraftBeer.com just sent out an email reminding everyone about American Craft Beer Week and they've include the 7 Days and 7 Ways to Celebrate American Craft Beer.
The number one suggestion they have is:
1. Support Your Local Brewery
Most places in the United States enjoy a vibrant or up-and-coming local craft beer culture. Have you visited all the breweries in your town? Does your bar proudly serve the local small brewers’ craft beers? Remember, the best tasting craft beer is usually the freshest; you can’t get any fresher than straight from the tank.
The other six suggestions are:
2. Look for New, Special and Collaborative Beer Releases
You and I aren’t the only ones excited about American Craft Beer Week; the brewers are, too. All over the country craft brewers will release special beers in honor of ACBW. Often these beers are brewed in very limited quantities, so don’t miss out!
3. Experience Craft Beer and Food
We live in a time where the flavors and possibilities of craft beer and food pairing are limitless. If you have not had the pleasure of experiencing what talented chefs and brewers can do with craft beer and food, use this as an opportunity to discover what you are missing.
4. Attend a Craft Beer Festival
Festivals are the place to learn more about craft beer and craft brewers. The excitement and camaraderie of enthusiast and brewer alike make this an option that should not be passed up.
5. American Craft Beer Week Bar Crawl
May is also National Tavern Month, which just happens to go along with craft beer like beer and a burger... And hey, it’s also National Burger Month! We can’t argue with that coincidence. Check out bars that are planning ACBW festivities or hop on one of the pub crawls and grab a craft beer and a burger.
6. Craft Beer for a Cause
Craft brewers give a lot back to their communities, and you can, too. Enjoy a charity-minded beer event where what tastes good feels even better.
7. Share
Craft beer would be missing something if you didn’t have people to share it with. Bring your “I don’t like beer” friend along to an event and give them every chance to discover what all the fuss is about. You can even share great craft beer with friends online—this American Craft Beer Week, Untappd is recognizing ACBW with its very own badge.
CraftBeer.com also has an events calendar that lists beer drinking activities from all over the country. While it doesn't have everything obviously, it is a great starting point, check it out and see if there is anything happening in your area next week.
So next week head out to a local brewery or pub that carries Craft Beer and hoist a cold one.
Cheers and Beers!
Port Brewing - San Marcos, CA
For more information about Craft Beer week visit the following:
- American Craft Beer Week
- All 50 States to Toast American Craft Beer Week
- Bars and Restaurants Get in on ACBW Festivities
- Brewers Association Predicts Record-Breaking Participation in 2011 American Craft Beer Week