This coming week (May 12-18th) is American Craft Beer Week. Changed to a week-long event in 2006 (the inaugural American Craft Beer Week was recognized by the U.S. Congress with House Resolution 753), American Craft Beer Week has continued to grow by leaps & bounds. This year, however, the celebrations will be slightly different – For the first time, breweries and beer makers will also recognize their collective charitable contributions in conjunction with the week’s celebrations. The Brewers Association recently announced U.S. craft breweries’ charitable contributions, and for 2007 they are estimated to be more than $20 million. According to the official press release (PDF file),
“In addition to being recognized for making world-class beer, independent craft brewers are amazing community citizens,” said Julia Herz, a spokesperson for the Brewers Association. “Craft brewers are an integral part of many communities’ charitable efforts. They donate to everything from fire departments, disaster relief efforts, local events, educational fundraisers and so much more.”
There will be celebrations and events across the country in conjunction with American Craft Beer Week but the flagship event will undoubtedly be SAVOR: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience (May 16-17), in Washington DC. The event will showcase craft beer and food pairings with participation from 48 independent craft brewers. To find American Craft Beer Week events in your state, check out the Brewers’ Association Brewery Events page. And don’t forget to enjoy some of the best beer this country has to offer next week! Cheers.
[tags]beer, craft beer, American Craft Beer Week, beer & food pairing[/tags]
