“I declare the beer I choose to enjoy is not a commodity, but more importantly an artistic creation of living liquid history made from passionate innovators. The beer I drink furthers our culture and teaches us geography and helps to nurture a sense of community, and helps to make the world a better place, and,” so continues the Declaration of Beer Independence.
May 17-23 is fast approaching and that can only mean one thing to those who celebrate beer in America. American Craft Beer Week, the mother of all beer weeks is soon upon us. It is a time to celebrate with the most convivial of brews as well carefully aged beer (see Simple techniques helps insure your precious beers will survive) editions aging eloquently in basements, cellars and beer caves across America.
Andy Sparhawk, Brewers Association Craft Beer Programs Coordinator recently reported, “There currently are 34 states represented with breweries that have posted plans to celebrate American Craft Beer Week.” Charity Fundraisers, Declarations of Beer Independence, Homebrewing rallies, New beer releases, brewery openings, special dinners, special brewery tours are just a few of the types of events that will be taking place amongst America’s 1,500 small breweries in their communities. The list of activities can be viewed at Americancraftbeer.org
Photo left: Tens of thousands of beer enthusiasts are expected to sign on to this year's Declaration of Beer Independence.
Now the U.S. Congress has jumped onto the beer wagon with U.S. House Representative Betsy Markey (CO) introducing House Resolution 1297 “Supporting the goals and ideals of American Craft Beer Week.” The bill is seeking bipartisan cosponsor support. Beer enthusiasts are urged to call their congressperson and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1297. You can find contact information for your Congressperson at House.gov .
A similar bill passed as House Resolution, H.R. in 2007.
Participating breweries are encouraging beer enthusiasts to sign the Declaration of Beer Independence, an official document to support America's small and independent craft brewers, which is available on the American Craft Beer Week website and Facebook page. Several breweries and homebrewers alike will brew a special recipe called American Craft Beer Wheat to celebrate. Learn more about the Declaration at: