Number of breweries reaches 100 year high

The number of breweries in this country has reached a level not seen for over 100 years. According to the latest numbers released by the Brewers Association, there is now a total of 1,525 operating breweries in the U.S. And, despite an overall global recession, the craft brewing industry grew 5% by volume and 9% by dollars during the first half of this year. That growth appears to be coming at the expense of imports and other non-craft domestics which are both down over the same period. It looks like craft beer drinkers are continuing to spend money on good beer while the macro-lager drinkers are cutting back. Or perhaps if limited on the amount of money to spend on beer, consumers are choosing quality over quantity? Whatever the case may be, the craft beer industry is continuing to enjoy solid growth year after year.