America Now Houses The Most Breweries Ever

 

We at American Craft Beer rarely get hyperbolic about milestones and big press releases because that’s not what any news source worth its salt does. But when we heard that there are now more breweries operating in the United States than ever before, we pretty much shat the bed and threw all journalistic common sense to the wind. This is a big fucking deal! 

Having spent the past two years documenting the steady acquisition of the craft world’s up and coming breweries by the world’s largest brewers, it’s great to report that even those setbacks can’t stifle the constant growth of America’s creative minds and their delicious concoctions.

So please join us as we raise a glass in celebration of what the Craft Beer Revolution has accomplished, increasing the country’s total breweries from a low of 100 in 1978 to 4,144 in 37 years. Now that’s a feat that truly deserves some hyperbole!

Brewers Association Press Release: 

The total number of U.S. breweries reached a record level in 2015, according to a year-end review from the Brewers Association–the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers. As of the end of November, there are now 4,144 breweries in the country, topping the historic high of 4,131 breweries in 1873.

“This is a remarkable achievement, and it’s just the beginning,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “Beer has always been a hallmark of this country and it is even more apparent today as America’s beer culture continues to expand.”

Of note in 2015:

• Brewery openings now exceed two a day.
• Fifteen states are now home to more than 100 breweries: California,Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois,Texas, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Indiana.
• IPA remained the top style sold by independent craft brewers, and continues to grow faster than the overall craft category.       
• Data shows that “locally made” is important to over half of craft beer buyers.
• Similarly, knowing that the beer is made by a small and independent brewery is important to a majority of craft drinkers in their purchase decision.

“Craft breweries are a part of their communities, operating in neighborhoods and towns, returning us to a localized beer culture,” added Watson. “There are still thousands of towns currently without a brewery–but with populations potentially large enough to support one. With beer lovers continuing to desire more full-flavored, innovative options from small and independent local breweries, ample opportunities exist for well-differentiated, high-quality entrants in the marketplace.”

Check out the Brewers Association timeline slideshow on America’s brewing history.