BA Unveils 'That's Independence You're Tasting' Craft Brewer Campaign

Malt tastes sweet and hops taste bitter, but what does independence taste like? The Brewers Association (BA), publishers of CraftBeer.com, asks beer lovers to consider that question in its most recent effort to differentiate beer brewed by true craft brewers and the acquired brands of the world’s largest beer companies. The not-for-profit trade association, working on behalf of the United States’ small and independent craft brewers, has announced a national awareness campaign aimed at promoting the independence of authentic craft brewers and the freedom of choice so critical to the beer lover.

(MORE: Seek The Independent Seal on InstagramOpens in new window)

The campaign, called “That’s Independence You’re Tasting,” builds upon the independent craft brewer seal, a mark the BA unveiled nearly a year ago to identify beers brewed by independent craft brewers. The beer marketplace has become increasingly confusing as former craft beer brands have been acquired by Big Beer operate without providing ownership information on their packaging. “That’s Independence You’re Tasting” videos and social media posts paint a picture of the country’s craft brewers and highlight the entrepreneurial, innovative, collaborative, risk-taking nature that they have long been known for.

“Each of the over 6,600 U.S. craft breweries is a unique contributor to its community and should be celebrated,” says Bob Pease, president & CEO, Brewers Association. “As a national campaign, ‘That’s Independence You’re Tasting’ generates awareness beyond any one individual brewery or beer and touches the spirit of independence that is a core American value.”

To date, the Brewers Association’s independent craft brewers’ seal has been adopted by 3,700 U.S. brewers and counting.

(MAP: FOpens in new window ind a Brewery Near MeOpens in new window)

While independence might not be a sensory taste in the way you perceive the bitterness and sweetness of a craft beer, there is an appetite for the taste of independence. According to recent data, over 90 percent of survey respondents showed interest in a certified mark and what it stood for. The BA hopes beer lovers will fine tune their taste for independent ownership and consider the importance of independence in their purchasing decisions at their favorite bars, restaurants or beer retailers.

For more information on the “That’s Independence You’re Tasting,” follow the campaigns on FacebookOpens in new window, InstagramOpens in new window and TwitterOpens in new window.

Andy Sparhawk

Andy Sparhawk, the Brewers Association's acting editor-in-chief for CraftBeer.com. Andy is a Certified Cicerone® and BJCP Beer Judge. He lives in Westminster, Colorado where he is an avid craft beer enthusiast. On occasion, Andy is inspired to write on his experiences with craft beer, and if they are not too ridiculous, you might see the results here on CraftBeer.com.

CraftBeer.com is fully dedicated to small and independent U.S. breweries. We are published by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers. Stories and opinions shared on CraftBeer.com do not imply endorsement by or positions taken by the Brewers Association or its members.