As the growth of the craft beer industry continues, many beer drinkers are wondering…what exactly makes a beer a craft beer? A craft beer would be brewed by a craft brewer. According to the Brewers Association, the definition of a craft brewer is:
An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. According to the Brewers Association, a craft brewer also meets these 3 criteria:
- Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less. Beer production is attributed to a brewer according to the rules of alternating proprietor-ships. Flavored malt beverages are not considered beer for purposes of this definition.
- Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not themselves a craft brewer.
- Traditional: A brewer who has either an all malt flagship (the beer which represents the greatest volume among that brewers brands) or has at least 50% of its volume in either all malt beers or in beers which use adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten flavor.
There are many interesting facts about craft beer and craft brewers. To read more about the industry, and what makes a beer a craft beer, check out the Brewers Association.
Here’s a quick video on what makes a craft brewer: