This week is, believe it or not, American Craft Beer Week…its true. According to the House Resolution 753 passed in 2006:

“…American Craft Brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of American entrepreneurial traditions…the United States has craft brewers in every state and more than 1,300 craft brewers nationwide…American craft brewers support American agriculture…promote the Nation’s spirit of independence…produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beer…are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities…”

Needless to say, the American Craft Beer industry has become vital to local, regional, and national economy and serves the community in numerous ways… and I’m sure the good old government isn’t too unhappy with all the tax dollars craft beer generates.

But besides all this nationalistic stuff, lets face it, American craft brewers make damn good beer. England, Germany, Belgium, yes they are all renowned for their beer, as they should be. But the U.S., being the melting pot that it is, has created a world of craft beer like nowhere else. The styles and flavors that were once unique to specific geographical locations throughout the world have been imitated, stretched, skewed, and re-invented right here in the U.S, all within the past 30 years. Bourbon-Barrel stouts, American IPAs, Double IPAs, Triple IPAs, Belgian IPAs, American doubles and triples, American Brown ales, spiced beers, pepper beers, fruit beers, coffee beers, chocolate beers…the list goes on.

So do your patriotic duty and take some time this week to have a pint (or three) of some delicious American craft beer.