What is a craft brewer?

The South Carolina Brewers Guild adheres to the definition of an American craft brewer as published by the Brewers Association (BA), the national not-for-profit trade association that works to both promote and protect American craft breweries and brewpubs.

The BA defines an American craft brewer as a small and independent brewer:

• Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately three percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships. 
• Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not itself a craft brewer. 
• Brewer: Has a federal Brewer’s Notice from the TTB and makes beer.

Who are craft brewers?

The following are some concepts related to craft beer and craft brewers:

• Craft brewers are small brewers.
• The hallmark of craft beer and craft brewers is innovation.
• Craft beer is generally made with traditional ingredients like malted barley; interesting and sometimes non-traditional ingredients are often added for distinctiveness.
• Craft brewers tend to be very involved in their communities through philanthropy, product donations, volunteerism and sponsorship of events.
• Craft brewers have distinctive, individualistic approaches to connecting with their customers.
• Craft brewers maintain integrity by what they brew and their general independence, free from a substantial interest by a non-craft brewer.
• The majority of Americans live within 10 miles of a craft brewer.

How do craft brewers impact South Carolina?

According to the most recent Brewers Association economic impact data, South Carolina ranks 23rd in the country for the number of craft breweries. Additionally, the craft beer industry provides over 6,000 jobs for South Carolinians. South Carolina craft brewers produced 128,419 barrels of beer in 2021.