Beer Briefs: US Brewers Climb Capitol Hill / Craft Brewers Conference Announces Commemorative Beer

American Craft Beer|March 4th, 2026|

Events like the Hill Climb help brewery owners and guilds build lasting relationships with elected officials that can change an industry for the better.. We’ve that, “5 Unfortunate Truths” and more…

US Brewers Go To Capitol Hill

Nearly 100 representatives from small and independent breweries, state guild leaders, and industry suppliers traveled to Washington, D.C., on February 25 for the Brewers Association’s annual Capitol Hill Climb.

The event gave US craft brewers a chance to meet directly with members of Congress and their staff to push for policies that affect their businesses.

The top priority discussed was the Brews to Barns initiative. If passed, this proposal would offer excise tax credits to breweries that donate spent grain (a brewing byproduct) to farmers and ranchers, saving small brewers an estimated $38 million annually in federal taxes while supporting agriculture and reducing waste.

Other key issues raised included:

Updating outdated regulations and taxes for the industry
The Credit Card Competition Act to lower swipe fees for businesses
The CHEERS Act to help bars and restaurants upgrade draft beer systems
Effects of tariffs on brewing supplies
Funding requests for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and research on hops and barley

Participants held 211 meetings with lawmakers and staff, sharing stories about how these issues impact breweries in their home states and districts.

Outgoing Brewers Association chair Leah Cheston and general counsel Marc Sorini also met with TTB leadership to highlight priorities for small brewers.

That evening, senators, representatives, and staff joined Hill Climb attendees for a private reception on Capitol Hill, where they sampled beers from breweries across the country.

Events like the Hill Climb help brewery owners and guilds build lasting relationships with elected officials. As American manufacturers that support jobs in production and hospitality, small breweries gain a stronger voice in Washington through these direct advocacy efforts.

5 Unfortunate Truths

You will die, and most people won’t care after a while.
One day you’ll wish you started today.
You’ll be judged no matter what you do.
Complaining will change nothing.
Not everyone you love will love you back.

An array of commemorative beer cans for the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia, arranged in a repeating diagonal pattern.

(Courtesy Brewers Association)

Craft Brewers Conference Announces Commemorative Beer

On April 20^th the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) & BrewExpo America, the largest annual gathering for the beverage alcohol industry in North America will be returning to Philadelphia.

And each year, breweries from this professional-only gathering, collaborate on a one-of-a-kind commemorative beer and for 2026, the Brewers of Pennsylvania played a significant role in bringing this collaboration to life. This year’s celebratory offering, Of the Brewers. By the Brewers. For the Brewers, is a 4.7% ABV pale lager brewed as a true industry collaboration across every tier of the brewing community.

This year’s commemorative can design draws from Philadelphia’s revolutionary history and deep brewing heritage. Of the Brewers. By the Brewers. For the Brewers, was created by brewers, for brewers, to be shared during one of the industry’s most significant annual gatherings. Beer has been woven into Philadelphia and Pennsylvania culture since before the United States existed, and its design works to connect that revolutionary past to today’s craft brewing movement.