You have to admit the opportunity for all of us to enjoy a variety of beer from around the world has gotten better with time. 

Likewise, the opportunity to taste local beverages has also improved with more startup companies getting involved with small batch production when it comes to taste and flavor profiles.  This scenario is especially true with craft beers or what we used to call micro-breweries.

The craft beer movement came to my mind today when the news broke that Anheuser-Busch was purchasing Goose Island Brewery here in Chicago for almost $40 million. That’s a nice paycheck for all the hard work the owners of Goose Island put in to make it one of the best craft brewers in the world. But we also must keep in mind that Goose Island has not been categorized as a craft beer due to the ownership rules.

What exactly allows a brewer to be called a craft brewer you ask? Well, here are a few guidelines that were created to provide the clarity around classification of a craft brewed beer as described by the Brewers Association:

An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional.

Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less. Beer production is attributed to a brewer according to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Flavored malt beverages are not considered beer for purposes of this definition.

Independent: Less than 25 percent 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 percent of its volume in either all malt beers or in beers which use adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten flavor.

The following are some concepts related to craft beer and craft brewers:

• Craft brewers are small brewers.

• The hallmark of craft beer and craft brewers is innovation. Craft brewers interpret historic styles with unique twists and develop new styles that have no precedent.
• Craft beer is generally made with traditional ingredients like malted barley; interesting and sometimes non-traditional ingredients are often added for distinctiveness.
• Craft brewers tend to be very involved in their communities through philanthropy, product donations, volunteerism, and sponsorship of events.
• Craft brewers have distinctive, individualistic approaches to connecting with their customers.
• Craft brewers maintain integrity by what they brew and their general independence, free from a substantial interest by a non-craft brewer.
• The majority of Americans live within ten miles of a craft brewer.

When small craft breweries start out, such as Chicago’s Goose Island or another start up like Sam Adams, they are looking forward to making the next great beer for their customers to taste and discuss. As they grow, the focus becomes more geared towards capacity and cost containment. Some beer aficionados will maintain that once a craft brewer becomes so large they forget about their adventurous spirit the magic of their beers is lost.

Goose Island has long been a great tradition in the Chicago area and may now be able to spread around the globe. Some of their fans just hope that they continue to provide the uniqueness and their customers expect.

Knowing the definition of craft brewers helps us understand how they can turn out seasonal beers and a variety of products throughout the year that those close by can enjoy. Until the craft brewer becomes large enough to supply the world, not everyone can enjoy their product. 

Once they become large enough to span the globe, they may lose some of the uniqueness we all came to know and love.  Sounds like a true capitalistic dilemma for us all to ponder.  In the meantime, kick back and enjoy a craft brew or two with your friends.

Local Events

• Please check out the various tasting events that are scheduled in your area at http://www.localwineevents.com/. 
• WineStyles in Bolingbrook will conclude the “March to the Final Vine” tasting series this Thursday from 6-8 p.m. with the “Customer Choice” at large wine bracket.
• Saturday from 2-4 p.m. with “The Finals” wine bracket.  These tastings are complimentary and everyone is welcome!