An American craft brewer is a small independent brewer.
Small
Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (about 3% of annual sales in the United States). Beer production is allocated to a brewer under alternate ownership rules.
Independent
Less than 25% of the craft brewer is owned or controlled (or an equivalent economic interest) by a member of the beverage alcohol industry who is not themselves a craft brewer.
Brewer
Has a TTB brewer rating and manufactures beer.
Here 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 unprecedented new styles
- Craft beer is usually 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 event sponsorship.
- Craft brewers have distinctive and individualistic approaches to connecting with their customers
- Craft brewers maintain their integrity through what they brew and their general independence, free from substantial interest from a non-craft brewer
- Majority of Americans live within 10 miles of a craft brewer
Learn more about craft brewers on our website CraftBeer.com
