The Brewers Association in cooperation with the National Beer Wholesalers Association hosted the fourth annual Holiday Beer Tasting for Congressional staffers and members in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building. For this event, held on December 8th, key staffers from both House and Senate offices were invited to taste beers from BA member craft breweries from across the country.
The event attracted 350 to 400 attendees, including some elected members of the House and Senate. “The goal is to expose an influential audience to craft beer and give them a chance to speak directly with brewery owners/employees about their beer and businesses,” said Charlie Papazian, Brewers Association President. Both Papazian and newly-named NBWA President Craig Purser briefly addressed the group.
Nineteen Brewers Association member breweries poured beer at the event where they featured their seasonal specialties as well as their flagship beers. In addition to pouring beer, the brewers were on-hand to talk with the attending Congressional staffers and members, carrying the message of small, independent and traditional beer to our nation’s legislative leaders.
This year’s participating brewers included: Boston Beer Co., Boulevard Brewing Co., Brooklyn Brewery, Deschutes Brewery, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, E.J. Phair Brewing Co., Flying Dog Brewery, Flying Fish Brewing Co., Harpoon Brewery, Heiner Brau, Magic Hat Brewing Co., North Coast Brewing Co., Old Dominion Brewing Co., Otter Creek/Wolavers, Rogue Ales, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Starr Hill Brewing Co., The Gambrinus Co. and Weeping Radish Brewing Co.
