Approximately 95 million Americans drink beer making it the most popular beverage class in the country.
And while the industry is riding this trend high, a segment of it—the microbrewers, also known as craft brewers—are reaping the rewards. Craft brewers—as defined by the Brewers Association— are breweries that produce 6 million barrels of beer or less annually, often use traditional methods to create malts and incorporate unique adjuncts to enhance flavors. They’re gaining in popularity and have scored big with the younger generation and long-time consumers who want more than the standard menu of options—large commercial domestics and readily available international selections.
Among those is Williamsburg Alewerks, one of seven craft brewers in the region. The brewery showcases 16 varieties, including six year-round brews, six “Brewer’s Choice” beers, a Brewmaster Reserve and three seasonals.
“Our goal is drinkable beers—beers that you want to have more than one of,” explains Geoff Logan, brewer at Williamsburg Alewerks. “We also wanted to have local themes, historical types of beers on one hand, and contemporary beers on the other hand.”
The historic beers they brew—developed with recipes acquired from Frank Clark, the historic foodways supervisor for Colonial Williamsburg—capture the essence and flavor of the beer drank in the homes and pubs of early Virginians.
“We try to make the taste similar to tavern beer of the time period; all are dark in color and there’s not as much hops in them. Some of our beers are spiced with the spices they used at the time, “ he says.
From a contemporary angle, beer is also enjoying wine-like power in restaurants and pubs. Beer tastings and pairing brews with entrees has surged in popularity.
“Beer pairs better with food than wine,” says Logan, who recommends “red and brown ale with a burger or a steak, a porter with desserts and chocolate and wheat ale with salads and fish because they cleanse the palate and IPAs—India Pale Ales—with Indian cuisine since “it’s hoppy and blends well.”
And while there will always be those who prefer wine with their meals citing its health benefits, beer—in moderation as part of a healthy diet—is equally good for you. That means one a day for a woman and one to two for a man.
“Beer is full of vitamins,” the brewer says, “It helps with kidney and brain function when consumed moderately. It also reduces risk for certain types of cancer and is good for stronger bones and a stronger heart.”
Right now, outside of Virginia, the company has its beer in Washington, D.C ., and in the city of Philadelphia, Pa. They’re looking to expand while continuing to do what they love.
Says Logan: “Without speaking for everyone else, we don’t have delusions of grandeur. We just love coming to work everyday. It’s a job, a pain in the butt, but we all enjoy it—I hope we do.”