The U.S. beer industry reached a milestone this year, with a record
number of breweries operating in the country.
The Brewers Association, a Boulder, Colo.-based trade group,
announced last week that there are now 4,144 breweries in the United
States, surpassing the historic high of 4,131 set in 1873.
And the brewery growth isn't expected to slow down anytime soon.
The association noted that there are more than two breweries opening
each day thanks in part to craft beer drinkers' appetite for locally made
beer.
It also said that 15 states now have more than 100 breweries.
The Brewers Association believes there's plenty of room for more
throughout the country.
"There are still thousands of towns currently without a brewery — but
with populations potentially large enough to support one," association
Chief Economist Bart Watson said in a prepared statement.
In its announcement, the trade group also noted that India pale ales
remain the top style sold by independent craft brewers, and the style is
growing faster than the overall craft category.
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