Like many other industries, America’s beer industry was once dominated by two companies. That is, until a few craft-brewing pioneers sparked a revolution that has changed the way we drink beer.
Independent American breweries support their communities and pay taxes — local, state and federal. They also provide consumers with a wide variety of choices.
Origins
The definition of craft beer continues to evolve, but it is generally understood to be specialty beer that is brewed in small quantities by independent breweries. The term also refers to beers that are not more than 30% owned by large macro breweries. The evolution of the craft brewing movement has been driven by consumers seeking new and innovative beers, such as the bitter, hoppy India Pale Ale and the boozy, viscous bourbon barrel-aged stout. Visit craft beer UK.
The craft breweries that sprouted from these roots were often inspired by foreign countries with strong brewing traditions or that had already developed a small-brewery scene. In addition, many of these pioneers sought to compete with the established beer industry by offering a variety of flavors that were not available from the larger breweries.
It is not clear whether the craft breweries have succeeded in preventing consolidation or even overtaking the macro breweries. What is clear, however, is that consumers love the variety of craft beers available today.
Trends
Beer lovers are willing to pay a premium for brews that offer an extraordinary experience. They are looking for brews with exotic ingredients, and many of these new beers will be exclusive. This trend is likely to continue in the future, and it will benefit both breweries and bars.
One of the biggest trends in Craft Beer Revolution has been the growth of smaller breweries. These new breweries have transformed the beer industry by bringing back the emphasis on flavor and creating competition for global multinationals.
This consolidation of the industry has troubled economists, who have found that it stamps out innovation and hurts workers. It also leads to higher prices for consumers. Today, the number of brewing establishments has increased by six times and brewery workers have more than doubled in less than a decade. This is an extraordinary turnaround for an industry that was once almost dead. This is partly due to deregulation, which has allowed big breweries to acquire and close small competitors.
Styles
Beer drinkers are seeking bold flavors and variety. They are also interested in the brewing process and a brewery’s values. Many craft breweries are using sustainable ingredients and donating to local causes.
This newfound love for beer is also pushing the industry towards larger brews, such as imperial stouts. However, stouts are a highly specialized type of beer and require a high level of expertise and investment.
As the industry continues to grow, breweries are also expanding into different markets and experimenting with their flavors. They are even offering “session beers,” which have calories than traditional beers. This is a trend that will continue to shape the future of craft beer.
Breweries
The 1990s saw breweries create new styles and experiment with ingredients, drawing beer lovers into their communities. Their passion for beer and creativity drove them to collect, forming a subculture of collectors.
But as with any industry, consolidation eventually took hold, and the beer-heavyweights consolidated their share of the market. AB InBev, MillerCoors and other major companies began to crack into craft beer production by buying up smaller breweries. Their ‘can’t beat ’em, join ’em’ strategy could spell trouble for the beer-revolution.
Today, there are more than 8,000 breweries in the United States, including dozens in the Capital Region. These small, independent breweries are changing the world of beer. But can they keep this momentum going?
