American Craft Beer The Best Craft Beer, Breweries, Bars, Brewpubs, Beer Stores, And Restaurants Serving Serious Beer.
We blame the industry for this… It used to be that when we wrapped up our Weekend Picks on Friday, we could coast through the weekend. There was little need to check in for updates – things were pretty much done. But clearly all that’s changed.
So here’s some of what’s happened in the world of craft beer while you were off enjoying yourself
US Breweries Breaking Records (Boulder, CO) – According to the Brewers Association, the number of American breweries has reached historic levels! In November, the United States passed the mark of 3,200 brewers in the country. And the number of brewery licenses also reached the highest level ever, topping 4,500 in the first six months of the year. Thirteen states (CA, CO, WA, OR, MI, NY, PA, TX, FL, WI, IL, NC, OH) now have more than 100 breweries each. Wow…Just Wow.
More Women Than Ever Drinking Craft Beer (USA) – This is a stat that we’re particularly fond of – women now consume almost 32 percent of craft beer volume, almost half of which comes from women ages 21-34.
Variety Packs Surge in 2014 ( Everywhere, USA) – We’re big fans of what has been happening in the industry with craft beer variety packs – and according to the BA, you are too! Retail data for 2014 indicates that variety packs are up 21 percent by volume and 24 percent by dollar sales. Brilliantly conceived and cleverly orchestrated, 12-packs like Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp collaborations proved immensely popular with craft beer consumers and we promise you this trend is only going to get bigger in 2015.
IPAs Continue To Dominate in 2014 (Everywhere, USA) – To the surprise of hardly anyone, the India Pale Ale continued its run as America’s most popular beer style this year. Retail data showed that IPAs are up 47 percent by volume and 49 percent by dollar sales, accounting for 21 percent volume share of craft and 23 percent dollar share of off-premise beer sales. Additionally, the style was the number one entered category at the Great American Beer Festival.
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he ACB Holiday Gift Guide Returns This Week (Washington, DC) – The holidays are ON and we’re highlighting some of this season’s more interesting craft beer gift ideas for that beer lover on your list. This year, we’ve so many suggestions for you that we’ve been publishing them weekly. So check in with us this Thursday for more craft beer gift ideas. And if you haven’t already checked out Part I or Part II of our brilliant Shopping Guide series – we’re pissed at you!
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