It’s no secret that the craft beer market in the U.S. in the middle of a gigantic boom. According to the Brewer’s Association, in 2012 there were 2, 768 craft breweries in operation, 15% more than the previous year. Today, there are likely more. This increase in producers, brewing creativity and the diverse range of beers produced has made the U.S. a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts worldwide.

 

But Americans aren’t the only ones cashing in. Craft beer tourism has become so wildly popular that other countries are getting hip to the trend as well. They’re producing great beer, too. For example, according to CBC News, the brewing boom has reached the city of Vancouver in British Columbia. They are seeing more and more travelers in search of great beer, and they aren;t going to leave them thirsty. Thanks to some recent changes in alcohol regulations, brewers are now allowed to open lounges and tasting rooms for craft beer enjoyment.

A question pops into my mind. Are governmental laws changing in order to capitalize on the craze? Maybe so.

Just recently a New York Times article highlighted the growing trend of craft brewing in Japan. Again, thanks to some changes in legislation, small scale breweries are no longer prohibited from operating. This has resulted in a thriving new economy for the culinary city of Osaka especially, where pubs and brewers are springing up left and right.

What intrigues me most about all this ongoing craft beer hype, is that brewing is becoming more and more recognized as an art form worldwide, as well as an opportunity to create new streams of revenue. New markets are emerging, and the mainstream in general is beginning to identify beer correctly as a prized artisan commodity. This is great news for those of us who wish to work in the craft brewing industry, as opportunities are sure to follow in the wake of all this momentum.

Now, if I can just find my passport.