Silver Spring’s breweries are participating today in Small Brewery Sunday, an annual event to celebrate and support America’s Small and Independent Brewers.
According to Food & Wine, small, independent brewers have become the backbone of America’s beer industry: “As of last year, the United States had well over 8,000 breweries, and only one of them is Anheuser-Busch. The vast majority are brewpubs or taproom-focused breweries slinging craft suds out of their facilities. Last year, the Brewers Association (BA) trade group launched its first-ever Small Brewery Sunday to help promote these independent companies. The idea went like this: Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday, Friday is Black, followed by Small Business Saturday… so come Sunday—November 29, this year—why not relax by supporting a small brewery?”
“It was already a fun way to spread love to local brewers in 2019… And then 2020 happened.”
“Small Brewery Sunday is a day we make a point to support our local taprooms and brewpubs with our dollars,” reads the Small Brewery Sunday website. “Because these small businesses can’t do it alone. They need us to step up and order a pint, fill a growler, and stock the fridge. Let’s heed their call! Inside, outside, or curbside … join us in supporting these main street businesses that give our hometowns their unique flavor.”
“It is a great day to emphasize the importance of supporting local,” said Denizens Brewing Co.’s marketing director Brian Coulombe in an email to the Source. “Both Chapless Horseman (a barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout) and Nocciola (a barrel-aged Baltic Porter w/ Hazelnut) are available on tap and in to-go bottles. We’d love to have folks support Small Brewery Sunday via a visit or ordering pickup.”
“If you buy our beer, you’re supporting us across the board, and we also want you to make sure you’re supporting local retailers as well, because we need them to survive this,” Denizens co-founder Julie Verratti said to Food & Wine. “But really, if you’re trying to support a specific brewery, buy directly from them—[including] in a growler format so they’re not using cans. Buying beer directly from the brewery is definitely a much more effective way to get revenue in the pockets of those breweries so they can survive.”
“This is a day when consumers are encouraged to support their local brewery as opposed to spending their beer dollars with National brands,” says Emma Whelan of Astro Lab Brewing. Usually, we would hold some event, but that’s pretty difficult during COVID restrictions.”
Astro Lab does have a fresh batch of NIMBUS ready for Small Brewery Sunday, according to a post to their Twitter account: “Just canned in time for you to celebrate #SmallBrewerySunday, NIMBUS, Pale Ale, 5.4%. Hopped with Centennial, CTZ, Chinook & Citra, we went old school with our newest pale ale.”
“Nothing goes better with a holiday meal than independent craft beer,” said Ann Obenchain, Brewers Association marketing director. “Whether you are able to safely visit a brewery, taproom, or brewpub, or opt for curbside pickup or at-home delivery, one of the best ways to support your local economy and brewery during the holiday season is by giving the gift of craft beer and serving craft beer at the dinner table.”
“We’re offering everything in our store for 10% off as our Small Brewery Sunday promotion,” said Silver Branch Brewing Co. co-founder Brett Robison via email. “Coupons are available to everyone who makes a purchase today, valid for delivery and pickup.”
The discount will be automatically applied at checkout when placing an online order.
Other options are available, such as merchandise, gift cards, and gift subscriptions if you don’t need more beer.
The Year of Beer from Silver Branch Brewing Co. has returned, just in time for Small Brewery Sunday and the holiday gift-giving season, according to a post to their Facebook account. “Give the gift of fresh, local beer! The Silver Branch YEAR OF BEER is back! The 2021 YEAR OF BEER membership includes one 6-pack or 4-pack every month of 2021 and is perfect for the beer lover on your list (or a gift for yourself)! Order in our web store for pickup or delivery!”
The offer mentioned above from Silver Branch does include the Year of Beer: “…if somebody is interested, today is THE DAY to buy,” said Robison.
Brewers Association awarded a gold medal last month to Beyond the Gnome World during the Great American Beer Festival. Silver Branch’s entry won in the Classic Saison category, besting 79 other entries. This year, the festival held online attracted brewers who entered about 7,000 products in 90 different types.
Beer lovers are encouraged to share their Small Brewery Sunday experiences on social media with the hashtags #SmallBrewerySunday and #SeekTheSeal.
To locate a small and independent brewery and learn more about Small Brewery Sunday, visit SmallBrewerySunday.com.
Graphic courtesy Craftbeer.com