Craft Brewer Definition


An American craft brewer is a small and independent brewer.

Small

Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to a brewer according to rules of alternating proprietorships.

Independent

Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not itself a craft brewer.

Brewer

Has a TTB Brewer’s Notice and makes beer.


The following are some concepts related to craft beer and craft brewers:

  • Craft brewers are small brewers
  • The hallmark of craft beer and craft brewers is innovation. Craft brewers interpret historic styles with unique twists and develop new styles that have no precedent
  • Craft beer is generally made with traditional ingredients like malted barley; interesting and sometimes non-traditional ingredients are often added for distinctiveness
  • Craft brewers tend to be very involved in their communities through philanthropy, product donations, volunteerism and sponsorship of events
  • Craft brewers have distinctive, individualistic approaches to connecting with their customers
  • Craft brewers maintain integrity by what they brew and their general independence, free from a substantial interest by a non-craft brewer
  • The majority of Americans live within 10 miles of a craft brewer

Find out more about craft brewers on our website CraftBeer.com