National Independent Beer Run Day

Group of friends smiling, wearing sneakers and carrying craft beer growlers, surrounded by brewery equipment, urban city backdrop.. — National independent beer run day illustration

Cheers to National Independent Beer Run Day! Grab your friends, lace up your sneakers, and get ready for a day dedicated to good times and tasty brews. This national day celebrates the joy of supporting local breweries and enjoying your favorite suds with loved ones. So, raise your glass and let's dive into the fascinating world of independent beer runs!

When is Independent Beer Run Day?

It's national independent beer run day on the 3rd July.

The Birth of National Independent Beer Run Day

On this glorious day, beer enthusiasts across the country come together to show their love for independently-owned breweries. But how did this national day come to be?

Well, it all started in the depths of the internet, where like-minded ale aficionados banded together to create a day that paid homage to the small, local breweries that bring joy to our taste buds.

Back in 2010, a group of beer enthusiasts noticed that while there were national days dedicated to big beer companies, there was a lack of recognition for the smaller, independent breweries. These beer lovers took matters into their own hands and decided to launch National Independent Beer Run Day as a way to shine a spotlight on the hidden gems in the brewing world.

How to Celebrate

So, how can you make the most of this hop-tastic day? It's simple:

Grab your friends: Beer runs are always better with good company. Round up your friends, family members, or even your four-legged pals and hit the town together.
Lace up your sneakers: It's not called a beer run for nothing! Get your sneakers on and prepare for a day of exploration and taste testing.
Support local breweries: This is the heart of National Independent Beer Run Day. Visit your nearest independent breweries and show them some love. Taste their unique creations, chat with the brewers, and maybe even take a brewery tour!
Spread the word: Share your beer run adventures on social media using the hashtag #IndependentBeerRun. Let the world know about the incredible brews you've discovered and the memories you've made.

A Fun Fact for Your Beer-loving Brain

Did you know that beer is one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world? Brewing techniques have been around for thousands of years, with evidence of beer production dating back as far as ancient Mesopotamia. So, when you raise a glass on National Independent Beer Run Day, you're continuing a proud tradition that spans centuries!

History behind the term 'Independent Beer Run'

1978

Craft Brew Revolution

The history of the term 'independent beer run' dates back to the late 1970s, when the craft brew revolution began to gain momentum in the United States. This period marked a shift away from mass-produced, flavorless beer to smaller, independent breweries that focused on quality, taste, and innovation. Craft beer enthusiasts started seeking out these local, independent breweries for unique and flavorful beers.

1980

Beer Tourism Emerges

By the early 1980s, beer tourism started to emerge as a popular trend. People began traveling to different cities and regions to explore the local craft beer scene. They wanted to experience the culture and taste the diverse range of beers being produced by independent brewers. This phenomenon led to the term 'beer run' being used to describe the act of visiting multiple breweries within a certain area.

1990

Supporting Independent Breweries

In the 1990s, as the craft beer movement continued to grow, there was a heightened awareness and support for independent breweries. Beer lovers recognized the importance of supporting small, local businesses over large corporate breweries. The term 'independent beer run' started to gain popularity as a way to emphasize the act of personally visiting independent breweries to show support and enjoy their unique offerings.

2005

Craft Beer Advocacy

By the mid-2000s, there was a rising need for advocacy and consumer education within the craft beer community. Independent beer enthusiasts saw the importance of spreading awareness about the benefits of supporting independent breweries and the impact they had on local economies. The term 'independent beer run' became a rallying call for beer enthusiasts to not only enjoy the diverse flavors and experiences offered by craft breweries but also actively promote and protect the independent nature of the industry.

2018

Certified Independent

In 2018, the Brewers Association, a nonprofit trade organization representing independent U.S. breweries, introduced the 'Independent Craft Brewer' seal. This seal allows brewers to label their beers with an icon that identifies them as independently owned craft breweries. The introduction of this seal further elevated the importance of the term 'independent beer run' as consumers now had a visual cue to recognize and support truly independent breweries in their beer-running adventures.