Brewing in America

In order to recognize the important place that America’s small brewers hold in our communities and their unique contributions to our culture and economy, The House of Representatives formed the House Small Brewers Caucus in 2007. The Caucus provides a forum in which Members and staff can learn about the science and art of beer and brewing as well as the relevant business, regulatory and societal issues.

America has a long and rich tradition with beer. Many of America's Founding Fathers – including Sam Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and James Madison (who attempted to establish a "Secretary of Beer" as part of the new nation) – were all avid small brewers. Thomas Jefferson built a brewery in his kitchen at Monticello and Benjamin Franklin famously wrote that “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”


Today America has over 2,300 small brewers. While the definition of a small brewer is one that produces less than 6 million barrels of beer annually, the vast majority are far smaller. These small businesses face all the very real challenges any small business must overcome to succeed, but they also must operate in one of the most highly regulated business sectors. In spite of this, they are important economic generators in their local communities, avid promoters of our agricultural economy, and tireless in communicating the history and traditions of brewing and the message of responsible enjoyment of their craft made lagers and ales.

The primary mission of the Caucus is to provide an interactive opportunity to learn about the dynamics of running a small business as a brewery, the brewing process itself and the quality and value of their beers and brewing activities. Some of the main topics the Small Brewers Caucus will explore include:

The Art and Science of Craft-Brewed Beer
• Flavor and Diversity: What makes beer different
• Beer as a food and beverage
• Brewing basics: ingredients, process, quality control, beer flavor and character
• Savoring the Flavor Responsibly
• Responsible presentation and enjoyment of beer
• Responsibility to the American community

Small Breweries as Businesses
• Market Access
• Consumer access to choice and quality
• Retail Sales
• Wholesale Distribution
• Marketing and Advertising
• Regulation – Accounting for Brewery Differences: Large vs. Small
• Impact on Operations
• Government and Agencies.