National Craft Beer Day celebrates the artistry, innovation, and dedication of craft brewers worldwide. It’s a day dedicated to appreciating the unique flavors, techniques, and creativity that define craft brewing.
Quick Facts
- When is it: April 7th
- Tagged as: Beer Holiday
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalBeerDay #CraftBeerDay
- When was founded: 2009
- Who founded it: Justin Smith of Richmond, Virginia
History
The celebration began when craft beer enthusiast Justin Smith created a social media movement to honor the signing of the Cullen-Harrison Act. This act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, marked the first step toward ending Prohibition by allowing the sale of beer with up to 3.2% alcohol content.
Timeline
- 1933: Cullen-Harrison Act signed
- 1965: Fritz Maytag starts the craft beer revolution in California
- 2009: First official National Beer Day celebration
- 2017: Official recognition by Virginia Governor
- 2018: Virginia General Assembly passes resolution recognizing the day
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April | 7 | Monday |
| 2026 | April | 7 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April | 7 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | April | 7 | Thursday |
| 2029 | April | 7 | Friday |
Observed
The day is celebrated with brewery tours, beer tastings, special releases, and events at local craft breweries. Beer enthusiasts gather to appreciate unique brews and support local craftspeople.
Fun Facts About Craft Beer
- California has over 400 breweries
- Anchor Brewing became the first craft brewery since prohibition
- Craft brewers frequently experiment with unique ingredients and flavors
- The US has over 7,000 breweries
- Craft beer sales account for more than 25% of the beer market
Quiz
- Who kicked off the California microbrew revolution?
- What year did National Beer Day celebrations begin?
- What was the alcohol content allowed by the Cullen-Harrison Act?
-(Answers: Fritz Maytag, 2009, 3.2% by weight)
FAQs
Q: What defines a craft brewery?
A: A craft brewery must have an annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less and be less than 15% owned by a large brewery.
Q: Is craft beer different from regular beer?
A: Yes, craft beer typically features unique ingredients, traditional brewing methods, and more diverse flavors.
Related Holidays
- International Beer Day
- World Craft Beer Day
- Beer Day Britain
- Repeal Day
- New Beer’s Eve
- International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day