America celebrates local craft beer

Monday marks the start of the 8th Annual American Craft Beer Week.

Local brewers and beer lovers will be celebrating the history and evolution of micro brews.

“For decades we were just so exposed to macro brews–really large scale beers that didn’t have a lot of character,” said beer expert Zachary Rosen.

But that has changed over the past decade. Micro brews have become big business.

“Breweries are opening up at an astounding rate, and I think that’s a great thing,” explained Brew Master, Pete Johnson.

Johnson is known for his creations at the Santa Barbara Brew House.

“There’s no bad way to taste good beer,” said Johnson.

While similar celebrations will be taking place across the country this week, each community will have its own unique flavor.

“The thing about beer is it doesn’t travel well. So the community supports the craft brewer and the brewer supports the community. So it’s as much a celebration of Santa Barbara as it is about a national celebration,” explained Rosen.

Here is a list of events scheduled throughout Santa Barbara this week in celebration of American Craft Beer Week.

May 13, Monday: ACBW Kickoff

Location: The Brewhouse

Address: 229 W Montecito ST

Time: 6:00 p.m.

May 15, Wednesday: American Ale Pre-opening Event

Location: American Ale

Address: 14 E Cota ST

Time: 6:30 p.m.

May 16, Thursday: “Meet the Local Brewers Night”

Location: Eureka! SB

Address: 601 Paseo Nuevo

Time: 5:00 p.m. (National Toast); 6:00 p.m. (Event Begins)