Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

One-Man Beer Outfits Take Brewing Micro Indeed

Super-small operations cater to niches in US niche markets

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 24, 2008 12:20 PM CST

(Newser) – Some so-called “microbreweries” have grown much too large to use that sobriquet, but as certain outfits outgrow the label, others are just growing into it. Portfolio's Lew Bryson introduces the future of beer: one-man brewing. In a market where once-boutique names like Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada now command significant share, ultra-small operations have distinct advantages—and disadvantages.

Single brewers are beholden only to customers, and this is part of their problem; without staff, they must drum up business and even deliver kegs by bicycle. But there's creative freedom, too, evidenced by One Guy Brewing's Cinnamon Boldy, a honey-and-Vietnamese cinnamon-tinged lager. The other constant? Do your job too well, and you might be forced to expand.

Small brewers are popping up everywhere.
Small brewers are popping up everywhere.   (KRT Photos)
One-man brewing operations are sprouting up across the country.
One-man brewing operations are sprouting up across the country.   (KRT Photos)
Microbreweries Flourish As Traditional Beer Sales Decline
Microbreweries Flourish As Traditional Beer Sales Decline   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

MillerCoors Testing Mini-Keg for Fridge

Sour Beers Put Smiles on US Brewers' Mugs


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne