MBG President, Sam Hendler, Honored with National Award

Co-founder of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers Receives the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award by the Brewers Association

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. | On Wednesday morning, May 4, 2022, Sam Hendler, co-founder of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers and president of the Mass Brewers Guild, the state’s trade association that exists to protect and promote the craft beer industry, was honored with the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award at the Brewers Association’s Craft Beer Conference. 

The Brewers Association is the national trade group for the craft beer industry. This recognition is presented to an individual or company for their contributions and efforts in championing the small brewing industry. 

During the 2020 legislative session, Hendler was able to successfully negotiate one of the most progressive franchise law changes to date—ending a 10-year battle with the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts. As part of the compromise, breweries that produce fewer than 250,000 barrels of beer over a 12-month period would be allowed to terminate their wholesaler contracts at any time by giving 30 days’ notice and paying “fair market value” for their brand rights.

This is the second award Hendler has received for his work to achieve franchise law reform in the state of Massachusetts. In November 2021, he was honored by Brewbound Awards as the Beer Champion of the Yearalongside guild executive director, Katie Stinchon and Atlas Distributing owner, Joe Salois.

The state’s franchise laws were originally enacted in 1971 by state legislature to protect in-state distributors from large out-of-state and foreign brewers -- at a time when small, independent craft brewers did not exist. The law essentially bound the brewery to its business partner for life providing unwaivable protections to the wholesaler. Fast forward to 2022, and the landscape looks much different as beer distributors have continued to grow and consolidate while hundreds of new craft breweries open each year. 

To date, there are more than two dozen wholesalers in Massachusetts compared to 214 craft breweries across the Commonwealth, with 30 additional breweries expected to open before the close of 2022.

“This was a long, hard road, and I am honored and grateful to be recognized for this important milestone,” says Sam Hendler, co-founder of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers and president of the Mass Brewers Guild. “While my name is on the award it was undoubtedly a group effort. I am happy to have gotten it across the finish line.”  

Beyond accomplishing franchise law, Hendler had also just stepped into the role of president in 2020. While juggling his own business operations, he was on the frontlines leading the Mass Brewers Guild throughout the pandemic.

Helping to translate regulations and guide and reassure the brewing community, Hendler was in constant communication with the governor's office, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, Brewers Association, and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, advocating for the brewing industry. 

“Sam is masterful at creating and nurturing key relationships. He was a calm and steady voice during an incredibly challenging time,” says Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “He’s generous with his resources and knowledge and we are so fortunate to have him at the helm of our association. He is very deserving of all the accolades and awards he’s received during his tenure.“ 

Since 1987, the Brewers Association has been recognizing individuals who inspire, defend and innovate within the craft brewing industry. Award recipients were nominated by their peers and determined by vote from committees made up of members of the Brewers Association board of directors or past award winners. This award is named for the late F.X. Matt, president of the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. a tireless and outspoken champion for the small brewing industry. 

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About Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers 
Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers has been brewing world class lager using traditional German standards and American innovation since 2011. Founded by brothers Jack, Eric, and Sam Hendler, Jack’s Abby has become a mainstay of the craft brewing scene in the Northeast and nationwide. Since its inception, the brewery has continued to uphold its mission of brewing lagers, and only lagers. This mission challenges the idea that lagers belong to macro brewers and allows consumers to expand their palates and perceptions of what craft beer can be. The Hendlers grew up in a family that promoted entrepreneurship and hard work. Spending summers with their grandfather working at the family’s ice distribution company, they learned the value of committed family members and loyal employees - the foundation on which Jack’s Abby is based.

About the Brewers Association

The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries and more than 37,000 homebrewers. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR™: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® and Zymurgy® magazines, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association® and the free Brew Guru® mobile app. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Mass Brewers Guild 

Founded in 2007 by a group of committed and passionate brewers, the Mass Brewers Guild, is organized for the purposes of promoting craft brewing and protecting the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth. The association is membership based and open to all Massachusetts breweries licensed by the federal Tax and Trade Bureau and the Commonwealth’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. The nonprofit creates a community of brewers while shining light on the broad range of breweries and styles offered throughout state. Through industry and educational events and by providing resources and marketing support to brewers, the nonprofit works to highlight Massachusetts as a top travel destination for craft beer in the U.S. The board also continues its work at the legislative level serving as the voice of craft brewers on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation. For more information, visit massbrewersguild.org.

Small and Independent Craft Brewers Urge Participation in National Day of Action

Passage of Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act before year-end expiration vital to small business health

FRAMINGHAM, MA • September 9, 2020 – Leaders in the beverage alcohol sector are urging industry advocates across the U.S. to participate in a national Day of Action on September 9 by asking their members of Congress to pass the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, S.362/H.R. 1175 (CBMTRA). 

On December 31, 2020, the recalibrated Federal Excise Tax (FET) rates for more than 200 small and independent breweries in Massachusetts will expire. These small businesses are asking Congress to prioritize and pass the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act and make the current FET rates permanent. Since its enaction at the end of 2017, the reduced FET has enabled small and independent brewers across our state to reinvest in their business, hire new employees, and grow their breweries. Without action from Congress, America’s more than 8,300 breweries along with beer importers will face a nearly $154 million annual excise tax increase beginning in January 2021.

“The nation’s craft brewers, distillers, winemakers, and cider makers have been among the hardest hit during COVID-19,” said Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “Significantly increasing taxes on these small businesses even in normal circumstances would be devastating, but to do so during a pandemic would undoubtedly force many of them to close. Congress should give these businesses a fighting chance by passing the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act as soon as possible. Only then will breweries have the opportunity to recover from the harsh economic impacts of COVID-19 and be able to continue to support other vital industries in their communities.” 

Introduced by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and by Representatives Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act is uniquely bipartisan legislation with support from more than half of the U.S. Congress—the bill currently has 346 cosponsors in the House and 74 in the Senate. The legislation will make permanent reforms enacted in 2017 that create a fair and equitable tax structure for brewers, winemakers, distillers, cider makers, and importers of all beverage alcohol.  

“The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act has been crucial to the success of small and independent brewers in Massachusetts and needs our full support,” added Stinchon.  “The craft beer industry has experienced sustained growth in Massachusetts and across the country and the current FET rate has gone a long way to empower our brewers to make significant investments into their businesses. Breweries operate in every state and nearly every congressional district in the country and if the current rate is allowed to expire, the tax increase will have a devastating effect on these businesses. The beer industry is one of the jewels of America’s manufacturing sector, supporting more than 2.1 million jobs—559,545 of which come from the craft industry.” 

Recalibrated FET rates have saved the American craft brewing industry nearly $80 million annually and helped provide certainty and stability for more than 8,300 breweries across the country, including 200 in Massachusetts. If the legislation is not acted upon, American and Massachusetts brewers alike will face a massive financial burden. More than 2,000 new brewers who have only been in operation since Jan. 1, 2018 and have never before paid the tax will see a 100 percent tax increase.  

“We need everyone’s help, from supply chain partners to loyal customers, to ensure Congress makes this legislation—which is critical to the survival of hospitality businesses across the country—permanent. It takes just a few minutes to make a difference for these businesses in our communities,” said president of the Mass Brewers Guild, Sam Hendler, co-founder of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers.

Day of Action participants are encouraged to call, tweet, and email their members of Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation.   #PassCBMTRA

About the Mass Brewers Guild
Founded in 2007 by a group of committed and passionate brewers, the Mass Brewers Guild, is organized for the purposes of promoting craft brewing and protecting the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth. The association is membership based and open to all Massachusetts breweries licensed by the federal Tax and Trade Bureau and the Commonwealth’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. The nonprofit creates a community of brewers while shining light on the broad range of breweries and styles offered throughout state. Through industry and educational events, its mobile application beer trail map, and by providing resources and marketing support to brewers, the nonprofit works to highlight Massachusetts as a top travel destination for craft beer in the U.S. The board also continues its work at the legislative level, fighting for license and franchise law reform, and serving as the voice of craft brewers on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 4,800-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR™: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew ConTM, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® magazine, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association® and the free Brew Guru® mobile app. Follow us on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

Brewers Converge on Capitol Hill to Seek Relief

Small and independent Massachusetts brewers seek tax relief, resources to survive 

BOSTON, Mass. |  July 14, 2020 — Led by the Brewers Association—the national not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers—the annual craft brewing industry hill climb went online this year to practice advocacy at a safe social distance.

During the week of July 13, the Mass Brewers Guild and four of its members joined small and independent craft brewers from across the country to meet with members of Congress and staff and advocate for the issues that will help breweries in Massachusetts recover from the long lasting impacts of the coronavirus, such as making the existing federal excise tax (FET) rates permanent by passing the language of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA), and securing additional resources to ensure that small and independent breweries weather the global health pandemic and economic crisis.

Participants shared their stories and emphasized that making the current FET rates permanent, before the savings sunset in December, will be critical to small and independent breweries as they work to recover from the impact of the coronavirus. Making the FET rates permanent will provide certainty to the more than 8,300 small and independent breweries across the U.S. and allow breweries to continue re-investing in their businesses and hiring new employees.

“The lower FET rates have benefitted small and independent brewers in all 50 states and nearly every congressional district,” said Bob Pease, president and CEO, Brewers Association. “These savings empowered brewers to reinvest in their businesses and resulted in an annual tax savings of more than $80 million.”

Brewers reinvested the additional capital by creating thousands of new jobs, buying new equipment, expanding their operations, and improving employee benefits. Thanks to the recalibrated rates, craft brewing jobs grew by 15,000 in 2018 to more than 150,000 nationally—the largest job increase on record for small brewers. 

Congress overwhelmingly supports the lower FET, with more than half of Congress co-sponsoring the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (S. 362/H.R. 1175), including 73 Senate and 345 House co-sponsors (as of July 9, 2020). 

Hit hard by the global health pandemic and economic crisis, brewers are also urging their representatives to ensure that their small businesses have the resources they need to survive these unprecedented times. They are requesting access to grants and economic stabilization funds, as well as support of a credit for businesses like breweries to help cover the costs of perishable goods. Thousands of kegs of beer in the marketplace have expired due to the closure of breweries, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. 

The Mass Brewers Guild Brings Together Industry Professionals During its Inaugural Mass Brewers Technical Brewing & Business Conference

On Monday, May 21 at Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham, the Mass Brewers Guild (MBG) will host its inaugural Mass Brewers Technical Brewing & Business Conference. The day-long series of workshops and lectures will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and focus on learning best practices from industry experts and creating meaningful connections with peers.

It is the mission of the MBG to ensure that the brewing community is armed with the knowledge and skills it needs to remain successful, independent, small businesses that continue to stimulate the economy, revitalize downtown communities and employ locals. The two-track event will focus on quality and technical brewing and business and marketing practices. 

The MBG is the state’s nonprofit organization that works to protect and promote the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth. Proceeds from ticket sales will provide critical funds to aid in the MBG’s government affairs efforts and help to provide marketing tools and resources to its member brewers. 

Tickets are $125 for MBG Member Brewers and Associate Members, and $175 for non-members. All are welcome. 

This event is made possible thanks to leading sponsor Bernstein Shur, and supporting sponsors, Acadia Insurance, Alpha Chemical, Amoretti, Bowditch Attorneys, Crosby Hop Farm, DrinkTanks, Econocorp, Fat Basset Design, Four Star Farms, GHM Insurance, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, MetroWest Visitors Bureau, New England Label and Pestex.

To purchase tickets, visit mbgcon2018.eventbrite.com.For questions or more information about this event, contact Katie Stinchon at katie@massbrewersguild.org. To Learn more about the Mass Brewers Guild, visit MassBrewersGuild.org. 

The Program: 
 

Registration, Breakfast & Vendor Exhibition
8 to 9 a.m.

President Welcome
Rob Burns, co-founder of Night Shift
9 to 9:10 a.m. 

Keynote Address -- “Quality: A Complete Picture”
Neil Witte – Quality Ambassador, Brewers Association
9:10 to 10:15 a.m. 
The talk is an examination of what quality means to today's brewer, the brewery and the industry as a whole. Quality programs are explored through the lens of the vast array of resources available from the Brewers Association, while at the same time encouraging Brewers to expand their understanding of what constitutes a quality program.

Morning Breakout Sessions 1
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. 

Business -- “Telling Your Story & Working with the Media” 
In today’s ever-changing media cycle, and with 154 breweries in Massachusetts, it’s tough to insert your brewery news into the news. Hear from local journalists, Dan Adams from the Boston Globe, Jackie Cain from Boston Magazine, Norman Miller, the Beer Nut from Wicked Local Publications and Andrea Shea from WBUR, on what they like to cover and the best way to make headlines. Moderated by, Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. 

Technical -- “Yeast Handling: Getting the Most from Your Culture”
Learn from quality control experts; Zach Boda from Allagash, Jaime Schier from Harpoon Brewery, Kate Steblenko from Jack's Abby, and Merritt Waldron from Rising Tide, on various fermentation-related topics and how to troubleshoot fermentation issues related to yeast-handling practices. Moderated by, Chris Sellers from The People’s Pint. 

Morning Breakout Sessions 2
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.  

Business -- “Social Media Best Practices and a Beer Photography 101” 
Engaging with craft beer fans on social media can be one of the most effective ways to humanize your business, get to know your audience, drive event attendance and create brand loyalty. In this session we’ll discuss how to effectively and efficiently use social media to drive business results. Learn best practices from Rachel Poor, president of Thread Communications, Digital Strategist and Marketing Consultant, coupled with a beer photography workshop on how to create thumb-stopping content offered by Kelsey Roth from Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing.  

Technical -- "Break out the #BASustySledge and Break Down Your Barriers to Brewery Sustainability"
What’s stopping you from gaining a deeper understanding of your brewery, better controlling your operational costs, minimizing your environmental footprint, and further supporting our community of craft brewers?  Ian Hughes, Sustainability Ambassador at the Brewers Association, will show you how to smash through those barriers using a suite of free and awesome Brewers Association resources, lovingly referred to as the BA Sustainability Sledgehammer!

Luncheon & Vendor Exhibition
1 to 2 p.m.  

Afternoon Breakout Sessions 1
2:15 to 3:15 p.m. 

Business -- “Two Lawyers and an Insurance Agent Walk into a Brewery”
In this panel discussion, three industry experts will share their “Top Ten List,” of questions brewery ownersshouldbe asking to protect their business, employees, intellectual property and lower risk. John Moran, lawyer from Bernstein Shur, James Sanborn, an insurance agent from GHM and Bob Young, a partner at Bowditch Attorneys, will answer all your questions without the meter running. Moderated by Rob Burns, MBG President and co-founder of Night Shift Brewing. 

Technical -– “Hop Selection and Working with Suppliers”
Hop farmers, suppliers, and brewers will come together to talk about industry trends, negotiating contracts, and how to best work with our supply chain partners. Industry pros, Liz L’Etoile, co-owner of Four Star Farms, Blake Crosby, CEO & President of Crosby Hop Farm, Judy Nadeau, sales manager at BSG, and Matthew Steinberg, co-founder of Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Co., will take part in this discussion and take questions from attendees. Moderated by Jeremy Cross, Battle Road Beer Co. 

Afternoon Breakout Sessions 2
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. 

Business --  “Finding Funding to Grow & Thrive”
Whether your brewery is in start-up mode or is well established and producing award-winning ales, pilsners or lagers, chances are at some point your business will need financing to purchase equipment or hire staff. Kelly Arvidson, VP, Business and Economic Development at MassDevelopment Erik Adams Sr. Vice President, Director of Marketing and Lending at Bay Colony Development, and Keith Sullivan, co-founder of Medusa Brewing Co., will talk about the different ways that breweries can acquire the funds they need to grow. Moderated by, Sam Hendler, MBG Treasurer and co-founder of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers.

Technical -- “The Flavor Leadership Criteria for Beer and How to Measure It.”
Roy Desrochers will deliver an interactive lecture on the basics of sensory analysis, beer flavor evaluation, and what is important to beer drinkers using the Flavor Leadership Criteria. The session will include a tasting component to review terminology including basic tastes, aromatics, mouthfeels, order of appearance, balance, fullness, and aftertaste. This will be followed by the evaluation of several spiked beers while presenting the detail and importance of the Flavor Leadership criteria and its application to developing and maintaining successful products.

Happy Hour, Networking & Vendor Exhibition
4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

CraftRoots Brewing Named Among Fastest Growing Craft Breweries of 2017 by the Brewers Association

CraftRoots Brewing was named one of the fastest growing small and independent craft breweries by the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent craft brewers. The inaugural list offered insight into the diversity of growth within the craft brewing industry.

“This is really exciting for us and such a cool illustration of the vibrant creativity that is originating and taking off in craft breweries nationwide. Our grassroots approach to brewing genuinely local beer from New England agriculture meant we had humble beginnings, but our community loves what we’re about and the beer we brew. For us, this isn’t about chasing big growth and the big guys. It’s about being genuine, local and fresh. Thanks to everyone who supports our brewery and taproom, Milford and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are #1 on this list.” said Maureen Fabry, brewer + co-founder, CraftRoots Brewing and Mass Brewers Guild board member. 

CraftRoots Brewing was ranked #1 among 50 small and independent breweries from across 25 states. Median growth from 2016 to 2017 for these breweries was 216 percent; the median size of breweries on the list went from 284 barrels in 2016 to 963 barrels in 2017. These brewing companies represent 5.5 percent of craft’s growth by volume for 2017 and include eight brewpubs, 40 microbreweries and two regional craft breweries.

“With 5 percent growth overall for small and independent brewers in 2017—and microbreweries and brewpubs delivering the majority of that—we wanted to spotlight some of the breweries driving that growth,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “As the growth base for craft becomes more diffuse, these fast growing brewing companies illustrate that a diverse set of success stories still exist.”

Methodology: The list presented includes only small and independent breweries with all of their production at their own facilities. Breweries had to have opened 12/31/2015 or earlier to be considered. It only includes breweries that reported to the Brewers Association’s annual Beer Industry Production Survey; breweries with staff estimates or data from state excise tax reports were not considered. Finally, breweries must have had data from at least three years to be considered.

About CraftRoots Brewing
Founded in 2014, CraftRoots Brewing is grounded in a grassroots approach to beer. We brew fresh and flavorful beers that highlight New England-grown grain and hops, connecting you to local farmers and craft maltsters.

Learn more by checking us out at: www.craftrootsbrewing.com

Facebook: @CraftRootsBrewing

Instagram: craftroots_brewing

Twitter: @CraftRootsBrew

Independence Matters

Brewers Association Launches New Seal to Designate Independent Beers   

Boulder, CO • June 27, 2017—In an effort to educate beer lovers about which beers are independently produced, the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers—launched a new seal touting independent craft brewers.  

Featuring an iconic beer bottle shape flipped upside down, the seal captures the spirit with which craft brewers have upended beer, while informing beer lovers they are choosing a beer from a brewery that is independently owned. These breweries run their businesses free of influence from other alcohol beverage companies which are not themselves craft brewers.  

Independence is a hallmark of the craft brewing industry, and it matters to the brewers who make the beer and the beer lovers who drink it. A recent study commissioned by Brewbound and conducted Nielsen found that “independent” and “independently owned” strongly resonated with the majority (81 percent) of craft beer drinkers. Increasingly, they are looking for differentiation between what’s being produced by small and independent craft brewers versus Big Beer and acquired brands. Beer drinkers, especially Millennials, expect transparency when it comes to their food and beverages. That transparency and underlying ownership can drive their purchase intent.  

“Independent craft brewers continue to turn the beer industry on its head by putting community over corporation and beer before the bottom line. They continue to better beer and our country by going beyond just making the beverage. These small businesses give back to their backyard communities and support thousands of cities and towns across the U.S.,” said Bob Pease, president & CEO, Brewers Association. “As Big Beer acquires former craft brands, beer drinkers have become increasingly confused about which brewers remain independent. Beer lovers are interested in transparency when it comes to brewery ownership. This seal is a simple way to provide that clarity—now they can know what’s been brewed small and certified independent.”  

The seal is available for use free of charge by any of the more than 5,300 small and independent American craft brewers that have a valid TTB Brewer’s Notice, meet the BA’s craft brewer definition, and sign a license agreement. It is available to both member and non-member breweries of the BA. In the coming weeks, months and years, beer lovers will see it on beer packaging, at retailers and in brewery communications and marketing materials.  

“Craft brewers build communities and the spirit of independent ownership matters” said Rob Tod, chair, Brewers Association Board of Directors and founder, Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine. “When beer lovers buy independent craft beer, they are supporting American entrepreneurs and the risk takers who have long strived not just to be innovative and make truly great beer, but to also build culture and community in the process.”  

While small and independent craft brewers represent 99 percent of the 5,300+ breweries in the U.S., they make just 12 percent of the beer sold in the country. The rest of U.S. beer sales comes from Big Beer along with imported brands. As large brewers continue to have unprecedented influence and acquire millions of barrels of formerly independently brewed beer, the seal differentiates in a crowded and increasingly competitive marketplace.  

"On behalf of the MA Brewers Guild, we fully support the Brewers Association in this initiative, and we’re in the process of getting the information out to our independent craft brewery members across the Commonwealth," says Rob Burns, President of the Mass Brewers Guild. "We are raising our pints to the Brewers Association for taking this stance and will do what we can to make sure our members join the effort."

Breweries can find more information about the independent craft brewer seal at BrewersAssociation.org/seal and beer lovers can learn more at CraftBeer.com/seal. Follow the discussion at #IndependentBeer.  

About the Brewers Association:
The Brewers Association is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The Brewers Association (BA) represents more than 70 percent of the brewing industry, and its members make more than 99 percent of the beer brewed in the U.S. The BA organizes events including the World Beer CupSM, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR℠: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew Con, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® magazine and its Brewers Publications™ division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers.   Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association and the free Brew Guru™ mobile app. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.