According to the latest statistics from the national Brewers Association, the United States now has more breweries – 4,144 – than ever before. The previous record of 4,131 was set way back in 1873.
What’s truly remarkable, though, is how fast that number is growing.
There were 2,033 breweries in 2011. That means more than half of all U.S. breweries have opened in just the past four years.
The trend is even more pronounced locally.
Off the top of my head, I remember just four breweries (not counting a couple national chains) operating in the Southeast Valley in 2011: Four Peaks, SanTan, Sleepy Dog, and the short-lived Dave’s Electric.
Since then, we’ve seen at least nine openings: Desert Eagle (2012), Cartel (2012), Arizona Wilderness (2013), Huss (2013), Uncle Bear’s (2013), The Perch (2014), Beer Research Institute (2014), Blasted Barley (2014), and Pedal Haus (2015).
Not to mention the openings of large-scale production breweries for Four Peaks (2012) and SanTan (2013).
Did I forget anyone?
