Declare your beer independence

Declare your Beer Independence !

America’s small and independent brewers are asking beer drinkers to sign a Declaration of Beer Independence.  By becoming a fan of American Craft Beer Week on Facebook, over 1,300 individuals have already expressed their celebration of craft beer from America’s 1,483 small and independent brewers.

So what’s to declare?  The complete declaration emphasizes “informed consumption,” though I personally don’t consume beer, I drink and enjoy it.  What’s the lowdown on “informed consumption?”  In short, it’s a fundamental mindset of honest and simple knowledge; seeking the facts about where beers are brewed and who brews it.

There is no contrarian “Declaration of Beer Dependence” for those who may not care whether the beer they drink is made by a small/independent/local brewery or mass production large international corporation.  Beer is beer.  Or is it?

Steven Colbert expressed his views on American Craft Beer Week on last year’s The Colbert Report. 

  The Brewers Association is celebrating American Craft Beer Week (May 11-7) and believes discerning beer drinkers care.  The declaration proclaims, “I want to know why so many of my local beer brands are not available in many of my favorite restaurants, bars and beer stores, and I encourage beer sellers to offer a wide selection of beer styles and beer brands that includes beer from my local and regional breweries.”

I’ve personally watched the interest in homebrewing, microbrewing and craft brewing evolve for almost 40 years.   I will go on record to say that if beer drinkers did not care the revival of American beer culture would certainly not exist today or tomorrow.  The choice, stylistic diversity and excitement about American beer is real – only if it matters to YOU the beer drinker.

What are you waiting for?  Declare your support of America’s small and independent craft brewers during American Craft Beer Week May 11-17, 2009 and sign the declaration. In 2006, the inaugural American Craft Beer Week was recognized by the U.S. Congress with House Resolution 753  .

If you’ve read this far you’ll want to certainly check out what’s happening at a brewery near you during American Craft Beer Week.  Check out  the Brewery Special Events page at AmericanCraftBeer.org  .  It’s updated daily by breweries all over America.  Special beers, special tastings, special celebrations and more.