Here’s a cure for your Monday blues… today marks the beginning of the annual American Craft Beer Week, taking place across the country from May 17th to 23rd. Organized by the Brewers Association, the week-long festivities were designed to celebrate small and independent craft brewers from across the nation, promoting the spirit and value of America’s craft beer scene. The week became the largest national effort focusing on domestic craft brewers in 2006, and remains so even to this very day.

For 2010, breweries are pulling out all of the stops. Special events taking place throughout the week across the country include special brewery tours, beer and food pairing events, special releases, charity fundraisers and even festivals. Participating breweries are also encouraging beer enthusiasts to sign the Declaration of Beer Independence, an official document to support America’s small and independent craft brewers.

Check out the Brewers Associations’ Event Database to find a place to celebrate near you. Not everything has been recorded in their database, however, so if you don’t find something near you be sure to call up your local craft brewer to find out what they have in store and on tap for the week. If you’re not sure who your local brewery would be, or are wondering if maybe you’re missing out on some beer gems located closer to home than you think, you can find a listing of American Craft Breweries at craftbeer.com.

I’d love to hear what you have planned for the week: special beers to drink, tasting dinners, brewery visits. I know I’ll try to check out as much as I can! So here’s to great American craft beer… Prost!

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