Beer and Independence

Beer brewing and independence have been partners through the ages. The ability to brew one's own beer freed one from the ties that would bind, or at least liberated them from punitive tax and price hikes.

America's founding fathers brewed their own beer, weaning themselves from Mother England; Thomas Jefferson's and George Washington's recipes are still available today.

Craft brewing is one way we can all free ourselves from the tyranny of macro brew houses, their ad costs added into the final price, and their drive to reduce expenses while appealing to the lowest common denominator.

Independence is achieved, like with the American Revolution, through a banding together. Craft brewers collaborate to build each other up rather than compete to tear the other down. The rising tide of the craft brew industry - the only segment of the spirits market that is increasing in sales volume - floats all boats as opposed to the torpedoing and scuttling that is so common in the big beer industry.

It seems that this time of year many nations have historically claimed their independence. Especially during the post-colonial period, Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and others reluctantly, but ultimately, relinquished power so natives could reclaim their soil for themselves, wresting it away from royalty or foreign interlopers. Independence in Nigeria, Belgium, the Bahamas, Liberia, Peru, and Vanuatu -- and even for France itself at the Bastille -- came to fruition in or around July, though the fight may have been enjoined much earlier.

You've got to fight for your right to craft brew. Free yourself from the usual, pair beer and independence.