For brewers, water chemistry remains one of the most mysterious aspects of brewing science. How can the main ingredient in beer be so misunderstood?

Craft beer sales continue to climb, posting double-digit growth at 12% in 2006. We take a look at the highlights of each segment of the thriving craft brewing industry.

News of craft brewing’s continued growth in 2006 certainly is reason to raise a toast, and brewpubs on the whole are reflecting the trend as consumer interest in craft beer rises.

For the first time in years, the microbrewery category was the top performer in the high-flying craft brewing segment of the U.S. beer market, up 17% overall.

Last year’s 12% growth rate for the craft beer category is impressive enough, but 14 regional craft breweries reported growth of at least 23% in 2006.

With its back once firmly pressed to the mat, the American beer market is back up and steadying itself, with overall numbers up 2% for the year.

Fueled by news of the industry’s 12-percent growth and an inspiring keynote address from Vinnie Cilurzo, the Craft Brewers Conference in Austin April 18-20 was a hit.

Draft quality is one of the most important topics we face as we bring beer to our customers. It is up to us to change the draft quality standards in the beer community.

Few things are more frustrating than going to your local restaurant or tavern, ordering one of your beers on draft, and finding that it doesn’t taste as you intended.

A brewery’s obsession to grow craft beer distribution is honorable, but “at any cost” is no longer the status quo. Here’s a new way of thinking about your brand.