A huge brewing banquet

If you thought there was a limit for the number of breweries on the planet, think about it again! An epic study by Alltech and The Breweers Journal reveals that there are already more than 19,000 breweries in different corners of the world. And the vast majority of them are artisanal! With an amazing 94% of the total, these small beer giants are delighting palates in 209 countries.

The rules of the game: What is an artisanal brewery?

Maybe you are wondering if the breweries you find in your neighborhood qualify as ‘artisanal’. According to the study, a brewery enters this category if it has less than 30 employees and produces less than 5,000 hectoliters per year, or if more than 50% of its property is private. So that little bar that you like so much could be on the list of the chosen ones.

Growing by leaps and bounds

The craft beer current is not just a passenger fashion; It is transforming the experience of pubs and bars worldwide. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the growth of artisanal breweries exceeds 10% per year, and this only adds ingredients to a success recipe that benefits all: from elaborators to consumers.

The beer stars

USA But, attention! If we talk about per capita breweries, the United Kingdom takes the trophy: there are 25 breweries per million inhabitants, surpassing its US competitors (15) and Germans (16).

Causes of this phenomenon

Tim Sheahan of The Brewers Journal comments that the reason behind this explosive growth lies in favorable legislation. In the United States, the big change came in 1978 when Jimmy Carter allowed the elaboration of beer at home after years of prohibition. In the United Kingdom, the situation improved in 2002 thanks to a tax reform that reduced taxes for small producers.

Craft beer: a global distinction seal

Although the beer revolution began in the US, the phenomenon continues to expand by leaps and bounds by Europe and other parts of the world, now surpassing the producers of North America in total number. The countries that dominate the artisanal beer scene are currently USA., United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia.

Final reflections

So, the next time you raise a glass of craft beer, you can do it with pride, knowing that you are supporting a vibrant global community and constantly evolving. With each sip, not only do you enjoy a golden liquid, but also support a movement that celebrates creativity, passion and artisanal work. Health for that!

An icon with roots in the nobility and history

Imagine a brewery that began its Andean in the most exclusive corners, reserved in its first centuries only for Bavarian royalty. That is the story of the Hofbräuhaus, a place that since 1589 has witnessed decisive moments in German history, and that today receives thousands of visitors with a smile and a jug of beer in hand.

His first steps: from the court to the streets

Created by Duke Wilhelm V, Hofbräuhaus was initially designed as a private space for the Nobility and Teutonous royalty. Only in 1828, in a bold movement, King Ludwig I decided to open its doors to the general public, lowering costs and allowing any beer fan to enjoy the Bavarian tradition. In that same festive spirit, the Oktoberfest was also born, a celebration that extends far beyond the borders of Munich, with thousands of festivals worldwide.

Chaos at tables and creative solutions

But not everything was a rose path in the first years of opening. The massive influx exceeded the capabilities of the brewery, turning its wide halls into a constant human cap. People, anxious to a place, were willing to everything; Even rowing or, in extreme cases, seeking relief at the tables without disturbing others. The ingenious solution was to build gutters on the ground to guide the urine directly to the street, a strategy that, although effective, sometimes caused small splashes to generate conflicts. To avoid this, wooden tubes began to be used, which led some clients to undertake the unusual fashion of carrying their own personal tube so as not to have to use one that would have been manipulated by others. What a long and curious tradition!

Renaissance after destruction and cultural recovery

During World War II, like many other architectural jewels, the Hofbräuhaus suffered damage and was in ruins after the bombings of 1945. However, the story is rewritten once again: in 1958, it was not only rebuilt, but also recovered its spirit, eliminating the ingenious but little hygienic channeling systems that once facilitated natural relief. Today, the brewery shines with a reopening that preserves its essence, but adapted to modern times. Visitors now enjoy a clean, broad and cozy atmosphere, in a place that combines history, culture and a touch of collective madness.

A destination that does not go out of style

Every day, tens of thousands of tourists and premises travel the more than 35,000 square meters of this beer temple. Hofbräuhaus is not only one of Munich’s main tourist points, but also remains as a living symbol of tradition, history and that spark of joy that makes each visit a unique experience. From its aristocratic origins to its position as an epicenter of world celebrations, its history invites everyone to celebrate the Bavarian culture with a good beer and a smile from ear to ear.

What does this millenary tradition leave us?

The history of the Hofbräuhaus is a reminder of how something that began as an exclusive refuge can evolve in a meeting of free spirit and collective joy. In every corner of this place, you can feel the energy of centuries of celebration, resistance and renewal. Perhaps, next time, only one look at its history is enough to understand that, sometimes, tradition and change go hand in hand, giving rise to an unparalleled heritage that is only reinforced over time.