American Craft Beer Week

Beer weeks are giving craft beer fans across the U.S. ever-increasing
options to enjoy and share the beverage they love. Beer weeks
celebrate the culture and community of craft beer, and give breweries
and beer businesses the opportunity to connect with the fans.

The Brewers Association, the national non-profit association on behalf
of the majority of today's U.S. breweries, celebrate the culmination of
these events each May with American Craft Beer Week (ACBW), The
Mother of All Beer Weeks.

This year, ACBW will be held May 16 – 22, 2011 and offers an exciting
opportunity for small and independent craft brewers and the community
of better beer retailers to feature craft beer in their community. Plus,
tens of thousands of today's beer beginners, beer enthusiasts, and hard
core beer geeks make time to toast the week.

Considered The Mother of All Beer Weeks, ACBW
recognizes one of America's true culinary arts and
provides a platform for small and independent craft
brewers to salute supporters and connect with their local
communities. Thousands of today's beer enthusiasts,
beginners and hard core geeks will toast craft beer, with
ACBW events predicted to take place in all 50 states.

"American Craft Beer Week is an annual celebration of
these historic beer times and the amazing community
citizenship of craft brewers," said Julia Herz, a
spokesperson for the Brewers Association. "With an
emphasis to savor the flavor responsibly and the
resurgence of a rich brewing culture here in the U.S., the
week is a chance to highlight and recognize the incredible
contributions of America's craft brewers."

There are close to 30 local beer weeks/beer months in the
U.S. annually, each with its own identity and organizer.
Established in 2006, ACBW builds on these local
celebrations and is the largest national effort focusing
solely on American craft brewers. Economically, small and
independent U.S. craft brewers contribute an estimated
100,000 jobs, accounting for $3 billon annually in wages
and benefits.

In 2010, ACBW logged 341 participating breweries that
hosted 621 events with recognition at multiple retailers in
45 states. In addition, U.S. Congress passed House
Resolution 1297 to support the goals and ideals of ACBW
and recognize the significant contributions of craft brewers
to the economy.

Throughout the week, a variety of events will be hosted by
craft brewers and beer retailers across the country.
Mirroring the diverse styles and brands of the industry,
events include charity fundraisers, new beer releases,
brewery openings, festivals, unique craft beer dinners and
special brewery tours.

Go to your local bars/pubs/brewers and find out just what
they have planned for the week. Cheers!