ABOUT THE GUILD

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2000 and is made up of more than 155+ Minnesota Brewery, Brewpub, and Brewery-in-planning Members and 50+ Allied Trade Members.

The Guild showcases the talent of Minnesota’s craft brewers and promotes Minnesota’s brewing industry by sponsoring festivals and special events, including the MN Brewers Cup, the MN State Fair’s “Brewed in Minnesota” exhibit, All Pints North, Autumn Brew Review, and MN Pint Day. We also provide professional development opportunities, scholarships, our annual MN Brewers Conference, networking, and advocacy to support the industry and it’s employees.

WHAT DRIVES US

Mission

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild exists to promote, protect, and grow a robust Minnesota craft brewing industry by building a healthy beer culture and community that allows for independent brewers, industry stakeholders, and craft beer fans to thrive.

Vision

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild will create a future where Minnesota is a national leader in independent beer quality, sustainability, accessibility, and culture.

Values

Quality: We strive for excellence through continuous improvement.
Authenticity: We are committed to a culture of openness and transparency.
Passion: We genuinely love and celebrate the craft beer industry.
Respect: We respect people, value diversity, and are committed to equality.
Sustainability: We aim to be responsible stewards of the natural environment by promoting sustainable brewing and business practices.

FAQs

What is "craft beer"?

What an interesting question! The Brewers Association (the national not-for-profit trade group for U.S. brewers) defines a craft brewer as a small and independent brewer. As they put it, “The hallmark of craft beer and craft brewers is innovation. Craft brewers interpret historic styles with unique twists and develop new styles that have no precedent.”

Here in Minnesota, we follow the same definition. All MNCBG members are independent craft brewers brewing craft beer. We honor the art and passion of the craft by promoting breweries through our events and our legislative advocacy.

Craft beer is brewed by our neighbors, friends, and family. When you buy local, you are supporting the communities that make Minnesota great!

How many Minnesota breweries are there?

According to the Brewers Association, in 2023, there were 237 craft breweries in Minnesota. That’s 5.6 breweries per capita (for 21+ adults)!

And this has a huge economic impact on the state. With over 500,000 barrels of craft beer produced, we brought $1.9 million to the state economy!

How does Minnesota compare to other states?

According to the Brewers Association, Minnesota is in the top 20 producers of craft beer by nearly every craft beer statistic they track:

  • 11th in terms of economic impact to the state
  • 12th in barrels produced and 14th in gallons produced per capita
  • 14th in the number of craft breweries per capita
  • 15th in the number of craft breweries