Microbrewery
The craft brewing industry defines
microbrewery to be a
brewery that produces less than 15,000
barrels (17,600
hectoliters) of
beer per year. Microbreweries sell to the public by one or more of the following methods:
- the traditional three-tier system (brewer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer)
- the two-tier system (brewer to retailer to consumer)
- directly to the consumer through carry-outs and/or on-site tap room or restaurant sales
July 2003 estimates published by the
Association of Brewers show there are 366 microbreweries in the
United States.
