Boulder, Colo. — American Craft Beer Week^®, the annual springtime salute to small and independent craft breweries runs today through May 22. This year’s rallying cry is “Turn your beer world upside down” — a nod to the freewheeling spirit that craft breweries are known for.

More than two-thirds of Americans live within ten miles of a brewery, and the number of craft breweries now exceeds 9,100 nationwide. Small and independent breweries have revitalized neighborhoods and serve as essential community gathering places, while also generating more than 400,000 jobs, with nearly 14,000 directly at breweries and brewpubs.

“The pioneering craft breweries turned the beer world upside down. They believed that beer drinkers were ready to branch out from industrial lagers and explore deeper, bolder flavors,” said Ann Obenchain, Brewers Association marketing and communications director. “This revolutionary ethos persists. It’s part of the craft brewing community’s DNA. And this year’s American Craft Beer Week is all about celebrating the rulebook-tossing spirit that craft brewers share.”

Beer lovers are encouraged to share their American Craft Beer Week experiences on social media with the hashtags #AmericanCraftBeerWeek and #SeekTheSeal.

To learn more about American Craft Beer Week, visit AmericanCraftBeerWeek.com.

Contact: Meg Weldon (on behalf of the Brewers Association), 970-963-4873 x212

About the Brewers Association

The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 9,300 small and independent American brewers, their beverages, and the community of craft beer enthusiasts. With over 5,600 U.S. brewery members, the BA champions the independent craft brewer seal—a trusted symbol that helps consumers identify beer brewed by small and independent producers.

The BA organizes some of the industry’s most influential events, including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, and American Craft Beer Week®. It also publishes The New Brewer® and through Brewers Publications®, remains the country’s leading publisher of brewing literature. Beer lovers can explore the world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com and follow the BA on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 13672 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.