Former President Jimmy Carter may be best known for his work in diplomacy and human rights, but his influence on the craft beer industry cannot be overlooked. In 1978, Carter signed a bill that legalized home brewing, a decision that would ultimately jump-start the craft beer revolution in the United States.
Craft beer’s roots can be traced back to underground home brewing, a practice that was once illegal until President Carter’s intervention. With the stroke of a pen, Carter paved the way for individuals to experiment with brewing their own beer at home, leading to the growth and popularity of craft beer in the decades that followed.
To learn more about Carter’s impact on the craft beer industry, the Wall Street Journal spoke with beer historian and Sierra Nevada Brewery Founder & CEO Ken Grossman. In their conversation, they discussed the history of craft beer in the U.S., the rise of home brewing, and the increasing popularity of craft beer among consumers.
Today, the craft beer industry is booming, with breweries across the country producing unique and innovative brews that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Thanks to President Carter’s legalization of home brewing, individuals have been able to explore their passion for beer and contribute to the diverse landscape of craft beer in America.
As we raise a glass to toast the craft beer revolution, we can also raise a toast to Jimmy Carter for his role in setting the stage for the industry’s success. Cheers to the former president and his suds-soaked legacy!
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Video “How Jimmy Carter Jump-Started the Craft Beer Revolution | WSJ” was uploaded on 12/30/2024 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal