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WedJul 3

National Independent Beer Run Day – July 3, 2024

National Independent Beer Run Day is celebrated on July 3 and is when beer lovers across the country call for Americans to buy craft-made beer ahead of Independence Day. Many independent beer lovers will be raising a glass for their annual celebration this year. The event is intended to promote independence from imported beers and from significant beer business practices that threaten autonomous craft brewers. The American craft beer industry has seen unprecedented support this year as the total number of breweries in the U.S. has reached a high.

History of National Independent Beer Run Day

The first American lager was brewed in 1840 by John Wagner, a German immigrant who brought a brewing yeast with him to Philadelphia, marking the beginning of the modern U.S. beer industry. The country’s first large brewery, which opened in 1857, produced 1,000 barrels; today, Budweiser alone makes more than 100 million barrels per year.

Until Prohibition, most American beers were brewed by small companies in their local communities. When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, beer companies also had to be at least partially owned by Americans to sell beer. Because only large companies had the resources to comply with the new legal requirements for breweries, smaller brewers were acquired or went out of business, and within five years of Prohibition’s repeal, nearly all beer production was controlled by just 50 companies.

After Prohibition ended, beer lovers across America rejoiced at their newfound freedom. It didn’t take long for Americans to rediscover their love of beer or for those who had never given it up, to start brewing. Craft breweries began popping up all over the place, and by 1980 there were 42 independent breweries in the United States.

National Independent Beer Run Day, celebrated on July 3, is an unofficial holiday that encourages beer lovers to support local breweries. The day was declared on June 26, 2019, by Brewers Association, the organization behind American Craft Beer Week and Savor, an American Craft Beer and Food Experience. National Independent Beer Run Day calls on beer lovers to seek out self-governed craft beers for their July 4 celebrations.

National Independent Beer Run Day timeline

1840
The First American Lager Is Brewed

John Wagner, a German immigrant, brings brewing yeast to Philadelphia.

1857
The Country's First Large Brewery Opened

It produces 1,000 barrels and today, Budweiser alone makes more than 100 million barrels per year.

1933
Prohibition Ends

Beer lovers across the U.S. rejoice at their newfound freedom and start brewing.

June 26, 2019
National Independent Beer Run Day is declared

The Brewers Association, dedicated to small and independent American brewers — declares July 3, National Independent Beer Run Day.

National Independent Beer Run Day FAQs

What is a ‘head brewer?’

Head brewers, also called master distillers or brewmasters, work in the beverage industry. The role typically involves managing production, scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control for alcoholic beverage companies.

What does independent beer mean?

Craft beer is made using traditional ingredients such as malted barley although non-traditional ingredients can be added to distinguish a brew.

Does beer expire?

Yes, although saying that it does is a bit misleading because it doesn’t become unsafe to drink; it just starts to taste unappealing or flat.

National Independent Beer Run Day Activities

  1. Try a new independent beer or brewery

    Celebrate your independence by seeking new makers of craft beer and take your friends with you to visit a brewery. Independent Beer Run Day is an opportunity to discover something new, and share that experience with others.

  2. Publish a list of beers you've tried

    You can do this here, by leaving a comment in this post. Feel free to rate how much you like each beer and inspire others to explore the world of independent craft beer themselves, one sip at a time.

  3. Drink beer while watching an independent movie

    It's a great excuse to get together with some friends or family. Stock up on beer made by a small brewery and celebrate sovereignty by watching an independent film.

5 Interesting Facts About Beer

  1. Beer brewing was for women

    The first beer was brewed in ancient Mesopotamia around 4,000 B.C., and was brewed by women called ‘brewsters.’

  2. Small brewery domination

    According to the Brewers Association, which represents more than 2,500 U.S. beer makers, only about 250 are owned by large corporations.

  3. One of the oldest drinks

    Beer is one of the oldest drinks humans have produced, dating back to at least the 5th Millennium B.C. and recorded in the written history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

  4. 133 Million hectoliters sold per year

    More than 133 million hectoliters are sold per year, producing total global revenues of $294.5 billion.

  5. Most popular drink

    Beer is the world's most consumed alcoholic beverage and is the third-most-popular drink after water and tea.

Why We Love National Independent Beer Run Day

  1. It promotes independent breweries

    This special day encourages you to go out and support your local independent brewery by trying one of their craft beers.

  2. It gives us an appreciation of beer

    The day creates an awareness of the history of beer, a beverage that allows us to wind down and connect with fellow human beings.

  3. It helps the future of craft beer

    We believe the future of craft beer depends on the continued success of independent breweries across this country. You can help this cause by celebrating National Independent Beer Run Day.

National Independent Beer Run Day dates

YearDateDay
2024July 3Wednesday
2025July 3Thursday
2026July 3Friday
2027July 3Saturday
2028July 3Monday

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