Beer, as you know it, is being reinvented.



Craft beer is booming right now, and unlike many social trends, it promises to stay relevant. The Brewers Association's mid-year statistics show that there are currently 3,040 breweries in the United States and almost 99 percent of those are "small and independent craft breweries." That's over 500 more breweries than we had this time last year.





According to the Craft Beer Program Director Julia Herz, America is undergoing something much bigger and far more exciting than any alcohol trend we've seen in centuries: a craft brew renaissance.





"We finally have as many breweries as we had in the late 1800s," Herz said. "And in 1978 we had less than 100 breweries. So the renaissance is recent and strong!"





Brewers Association



But, what exactly is a craft brew? And who's making it?

The Brewers Association defines a craft brewer as "small, independent, and traditional." This means craft brewers have to produce less than 6 million barrels of beer each year, need to be independently owned, and must use "traditional or innovative" ingredients and brewing methods. The organization also notes they do not consider malt beverages to be beers. Brew pubs, microbreweries, and regional craft brewers are all considered craft brewers.





"We've doubled the number of craft breweries in the U.S. over the past seven years," Herz said.





Craft breweries have become so popular that, while the overall beer sales went down almost 2 percent in 2013, craft beer sales actually increased by nearly 17 percent and raked in a whopping $14.3 billion dollars. This is an enormous spike considering the first microbreweries started emerging in the 1980s . According to Herz, the industry will only continue to expand.









In addition to delivering great products, craft breweries are also boosting the economy. According to the Brewers Association's Website , "craft brewers currently employ an estimated 110,273 full-time and part-time workers, many of which are manufacturing jobs."









Brewers Association

Why are people so drawn to craft beers?

Well, just like there are thousands of different beers on tap, everyone seems to have their own reasons.





"Craft brewers are providing world-class, innovative products that continue to excite beer lovers and energize the industry," Bart Watson, chief economist of the Brewers Association wrote on the Website . "Coupled with the continued rise in the number of breweries, the market growth of craft brewers highlights the ongoing localization of beer production in the United States. More and more, people are enjoying the products from America's small and independent brewers, making this country a true destination for beer."





Watson's analysis seemed to echo with beer drinkers outside of the Brewers Association as well.





Ron DeGregorio and Cory Smith are two teachers from Ohio who love all things beer. In fact, they're so drawn to the beverage they've dedicated their time outside of the classroom to reviewing craft beers. They call themselves the Brew Review Crew and if their Website and YouTube channel indicate anything, it's that they know their stuff.





Their stories of falling in love with beer are simple, yet they seem more romantic and light-hearted than any rom-com. DeGregorio was first introduced to different flavors when his soon-to-be father-in-law gave him a pack of seasonal beers. Since he'd never really ventured outside of college favorites such as Natural Ice, he was blown away by the depth and levels of flavors each brew had to offer. Needless to say, he's been hooked to trying new flavors ever since.





Smith was always a fan of German style lagers, and had an itch to experiment with home brewing. He soon found that brewing beer was a fun, delicious, creative outlet. His talent has taken him to a few brewing competitions and has opened up a deeper appreciation for beers from all over the nation.





While Smith hasn't opened up his own microbrewery, many of the hottest craft breweries began like his: in house.





You can start your own home brewery.

Herz estimated that about 40-50,000 home brewers are currently members of the Brewers Association, many of which participate in contests and dream of opening up their own craft brewery like thousands before them. She added that home brewers can legally produce up to 200 gallons of craft beer.





So, if you are dying to open your own company, but fear it'd be too risky, you might want to reconsider.





"More small breweries are coming out of home-brew companies," DeGregorio said. "They start in garages or basements and people say `You should bottle commercially.' The entire [craft brew industry] is really an extension of home-brewing."









Brewer's Association

Who's Drinking Craft Beer?

But what about beer makes it more accessible than other alcohols? I went for some more personal information this time by polling 40 of my friends to find whether they would be more interested in attending a wine tasting or a beer tasting. The overwhelming majority said they'd rather try different beers. While they each had their own reasons, I noticed a trend: They all thought beer was more culturally and financially accessible than wine.







"For me, tastings are about trying new things you wouldn't normally have access to, whether they're limited releases, too expensive, imported for the tasting itself, etc," Tim Benson, 25, said. "Beer tasting allows more breadth, which is the best part of any tasting festival. On a more sociological note, beer tastings seem to be a bit more accessible financially and more welcoming to younger people."





Benson noted that he always feels "too poor to either attend or belong at a wine tasting." When you think about it, his explanation makes sense. Beer has always been perceived as the no-frills alcohol.





Herz said that beer's high alcohol-by-volume percentage paired with its lower price points make it the perfect beverage for anyone who is looking to keep costs lower while still enjoying a quality product. And let's be honest, who wouldn't view beer as a wise investment?









Stock Photo, Corinne Winthrop, Kaitie Huss / Collegian

Craft Brew's Cultural Impact

Like any trend "” whether it be short-lived or becomes a long-lasting staple "” craft breweries are the product of a shift in societal culture. Today's world is rich in technological advancements, innovative products, and a strong desire to be socially connected (despite so much of our communication taking place in arguably impersonal ways). So, what is it about our culture that has made a craft brew renaissance possible?





"I think it's just the nature of what craft beer is," DeGregorio said. "It's more of a creative outlet than domestics. It's a lot more artsy people."





"It seems to also be tied to foodie culture," Smith added. "You now have chefs who view themselves as artists and not chefs."





This may be true. The same data from the SteadyServ Technologies indicates that craft beer drinkers choose to buy organic foods, enjoy exercise, and tend to pursue higher education. The increase in craft breweries is likely tied to shifting interests in the U.S., particularly in art, health, and the environment.









How You Can Get Involved In the Craft Brew Renaissance:



If you feel like you're too late to the craft brew party, rest assured that this is only the beginning. With so many styles, ingredients, and creative brewers, beer lovers can unite knowing that the best may be yet to come.





Confused on where you'd even begin? Smith and DeGregorio suggest heading to the store and filling up a six pack with beers of all different colors, flavors, and styles. Soon, you'll be able to determine which beers suit you best.





"It's a lot of fun to go out and explore," DeGregorio said. "It's almost like Christmas every day."





So, what are you waiting for? There's a whole world of delicious brews looking to be tapped. Who knows, one sip may lead to a new hobby or a business opportunity.





Bottoms up!



