Drink Local Beer

How can he talk and drink at the same time?

Buying local is not a new concept but it is one that is not often practiced or understood. Especially given the American mindset in which we're entitled to get whatever we want, from wherever we want, whenever we want. But buying local keeps your money circulating through your hometown: paying your neighbors' salaries, boosting local government revenues and so on. When you give your cash to a national chain, on the other hand, your money gets whisked away in that night's deposit.

If more people applied this idea to beer consumption, more local beer scenes would prosper and the chances of a giant national brand taking a foothold would decrease. Buying local beer also promotes interest in the local brewing scene, both with consumers and business owners within the industry - bars, restaurants, beer stores and whatnot. And, as a result, your chances of getting more fresh local beer on tap and on the shelves increase. Buy a mega-national brand and you merely strengthen its consumer reach, and support its mega-advertising campaigns and corporate lifestyle, but you take dollars, tap handles, shelf space and, potentially, jobs away from local breweries. And that's not cool.

There are many ways to support your local beer scene, and it doesn't mean that you have to stop buying your favorite imports. Simply think before you drink and try to introduce more local beer into your life.

Standing tall and looking good

Visit your local brewpub, pull up a seat at the bar and explore their beers. Visit a local brewery, take the tour and have some samples. Take home a growler of beer, too, because not only will the beer be extremely fresh, but you'll also be tempted to bring the empty back for a refill.

Swing by your local beer store and buy local brews. Most local beers are also cheaper than domestic or foreign imports, and again, they'll most likely be fresh. And, the more local beer purchased, the more these places will stock them. Many stores are also open to consumer suggestions.

Support local beer bars, as they often offer many local beers and help to spread the word and availability. They too are often open to consumer suggestions.

Going out to eat? Visit your local brewpub for some brews and food, or at least order local beer if you're dining at a restaurant.

Okay, now I'm hungry... and thirsty

Most smart brewpubs and many restaurants/beer bars host beer dinners throughout the year, which are a great opportunity to enhance your knowledge and gain access to some great brews. They're usually co-hosted by a local brewer and provide a great array of beer-and-food-pairing, and education.

Attend a beer festival. Many festivals are out to support the local beer scene and spread the good word of beer. They can also be educational eye-openers to the magnificent world of beer that's right under your nose by introducing you to beers that don't have deep advertising pockets to let you know about them in a flashy kind of way.

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!