The craft beer revolution in the United States began in the 1960s, when Fritz Maytag decided to purchase Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco. This move kickstarted a movement that would eventually lead to the establishment of thousands of craft breweries across the country. Charlie Papazian, who is often referred to as the “godfather of homebrewing”, was one of the first to experiment with packaging options for brewers, such as aluminum cans. A craft brewery or microbrewery is a brewery that produces small quantities of beer, usually less than large breweries, and is often independently owned.
These breweries are known for their enthusiasm, new flavors and varied brewing techniques. The craft brewing industry has grown significantly since its inception, and today it is one of the most diverse beer cultures in the world. The Brewers Association (BA) has even launched a certification mark to help beer lovers differentiate between independent craft breweries and acquired breweries. The growth in popularity of craft beer has been largely driven by changes in US legislation, which laid the groundwork for its expansion.
This has allowed craft brewers to establish high standards of quality, consistency and innovation. Craft brewing has also become more established in other countries, such as Mexico and Norway, where ancient brewing traditions are being revived and traditional Kveik yeast is being rediscovered. London's East End has also been a place for specialty craft beers and unique independent pubs and breweries. The real driving force behind this renaissance was the craft beer movement, which gained momentum in a business environment that was ripe for it.
This movement has progressed significantly over time, with craft brewers now producing high-quality beers that are enjoyed by many people around the world.
