Post by John C on May 15, 2007 12:22:04 GMT -5
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Beer Fans Celebrate Freedom Of Choice
American Craft Beer Week Toasts Independence
Lisa Morrison, Staff Writer
POSTED: 11:20 am EDT May 10, 2007
UPDATED: 12:28 pm EDT May 10, 2007
The next time you pop the cap off a bottle of craft beer, think of that unmistakable sound as a loud and proud declaration of American independence.
You read right: Independence. Because across the United States, craft brewers are forging new horizons, beating the odds and brewing up world-class creations all at the same time.
Much akin to our forefathers, many of whom were brewers themselves, a discontent with the current circumstances fueled this country's pioneering craft brewers. Many started as home brewers who were unhappy with the lack of variety offered by the nation's large, industrial breweries and thought they could create something better.
They were right, and by 1997, more breweries were operating in the United States than in all of Germany, a country known for its beer. As a result, the majority of Americans now live within a short drive -- usually no more than 10 miles -- of a small independent brewery that is serving up tasty hand-crafted beers, according to the Brewers Association, an organization that promotes America's small, independent craft brewers.
That proximity will be mighty handy the week of May 14 through 20, which is American Craft Beer Week -- encouraging adults of legal drinking age to celebrate and support their local breweries. Most areas are holding special events for the occasion. (Check out what's going on near you here.)
If you're so inclined, you also can win some nifty prizes by joining the Great American Beer Tour. Basically, you download a "passport," go visit a participating pub and have the manager endorse your passport. You collect points for each time your passport is stamped. Based on the number of points you rack up during American Craft Beer Week, you can win prizes -- including the grand prize of a trip for two to the 26th Great American Beer Festival in Denver Oct. 11 through 13. Get the details.
But no matter how you celebrate American Craft Beer Week --whether you have you eye on the prize(s), visit your local brewpub or enjoy a bottle of craft beer at home -- take a moment to drink in your freedom to choose from any number of tasty beers, thanks to this truly American revolution.
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