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

Holds a Brewer’s Notice issued by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau, or its successor, or control the intellectual property for one or more brands of beer, have that brand or brands brewed for it in the United States, and have as its primary business purpose the resale of the brand or brands it controls.

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