I'd like to think that in some small way beer geeks like my friends and I are to blame for this year's uptick in craft beer sales. But I know that's a lie, since we usually stick to a few brands, Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing Co., Rogue, Harpoon, Heavyweight, etc. Aw heck, basically we drink any U.S. craft beer that's good, and available, on the East Coast. Of course, we've also been known to sample some fine non-U.S. brews, including Belgian Trappist ales.
Regardless of my crew's drinking habits the numbers speak for themselves. U.S. sales of craft beer grew 11 percent in the first half of this year compared with 2005, according to the Brewers Association.
Paul Gatza, a director of the group's professional division, says consumption "appears to be accelerating." Rest assured my friends and I will continue to do our parts to help aid this noble cause.
New York Times Magazine's food issue
Chicken McNuggets frolic at New York City pet store
Eat your broccoli orbs! 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-08-2006 @ 6:47PM
peggy said...
Just think, only 20 or so years ago, Michelob was the only American "upscale" beer on the market, and it was lousy. Forever, US beer has been much maligned by beer drinker and beer makers all over the globe, and for good cause. We are finally coming into our own with some of the best craft beers that can be bought anywhere. American microbrewed beers are simply wonderful.
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9-09-2006 @ 2:04PM
George said...
One more piece of evidence that U.S. consumers are waking up to the fact that food is more than the mass-produced, that it can taste wonderful, and that it can be an art. Hats off to the crafstmen and craftswomen who brew great American beers (especially those in the Northwest!).
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