Get local!

You buy fresh fruit and vegetables at your local farmers market. You buy fresh seafood from your local fish market. You buy beer bottled 6 months ago in... Milwaukee? You live locally, why would you buy beer from Germany, the U.K., or even Colorado, when there is such a vibrant local beer scene right here in your own town? Don't get me wrong, there are great beers produced all across this country as well as overseas. I encourage you to try great craft beer from all around the world, but are you more familiar with German Wheat beers and English Stouts than you are with the offerings from your local brewer down the street? Explore local beers! Get to know the brewers. Visit the breweries. Drink local and demand local. Does your favorite restaurant feature any local beers? If not, ask them why? If they do, thank them and ask them to keep a rotating tap list of local beers. Does your corner liquor store carry a good selection of local beers? Ask them to bring in a style or two from several local breweries. Spread the word. You would be surprised by the number of people who just don't know the amount of local beer available. If we all get together to support our local beer community, think how the industry will grow. So get out there, get to know your hometown beer, and get local!