F
or years, beer coolers in American liquor stores were packed with the big names - Budweiser, Coors and Miller. Then around 2006, something new began to emerge - craft beer. Now there are breweries popping up all over the country and more and more of the "little guys" are appearing on store shelves. In fact, according to The Atlantic, the number of breweries grew 120 percent from 2008 to 2016.
Estimates from the Brewers Association indicate that in 2017, there were over 6,300 breweries in the United States. That's up from under 2,500 in 2012 - just 5 years earlier.
Why has craft beer become so popular?
The biggest drive is that consumer tastes are changing. People are increasingly looking for an experience to go with their beer, so craft breweries are seeing the demand and responding in kind. More flavors and creative tastes are what beer drinkers want these days and they can get that from craft beers everywhere.
While many craft beers can now be purchased at your average liquor store, the best way to experience them is to visit the brewery taproom. This is a place where you can sample the different beers straight from the tap. Taprooms often offer flight tastings, so you try several types of craft beer and many also serve food, so you can enjoy a meal with your beer.
A huge industry
With the rise in craft beer breweries comes a rise in jobs available. Home brewers may be attracted to these jobs as they already have experience with making beer. In addition to the need for craft brewers, some also require bartenders and waitresses if they have a taproom and restaurant.
As you can see, craft beer is a huge industry in the United States and you're sure to find something new and tasty at any of the breweries scattered across the country.
