Few celebratory event weeks could be easier to celebrate than American Craft Beer Week (May 17-23, 2010). Begun in 2006 by the Brewers Association, American Craft Beer Week is a celebration of small and independent craft breweries and highlights what Americans love about craft beer.  Even Congress got into the act with the House of Representatives passing a Resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the American Craft Beer Week.  Kudos to Montana’s lone representative, Denny Rehberg for being a co-sponsor of the Resolution. 

According to the Brewers Association, and as reflected in the Resolution, there are more than 1,500 craft breweries in the United States with 110 new ones opening in 2009.  All together, they produced more than 9,000,000 barrels of beer, employ more than 100,000 full and part-time workers, and provide significant support to American agriculture by purchasing barley, malt and hops grown in the United States. Those of us in Montana already know that our craft breweries are actively engaged in supporting our communities by sponsoring pint nights to support local non-profits and a host of other civic activities.

So I invite you to celebrate American Craft Beer Week (real arm-twister, I know).  Head to a local brewery and thank a brewer. Try something you’ve never tasted before. Reunite with an old favorite. And be thankful that craft brewing is an industry on the rise, continually bringing us damn good beer.