If you do one thing this week, try a craft beer!

Last September I went for the first time to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, a terrific event which really shows how impressive American beers have become. This week, which has been designated American Craft Beer week, many breweries are showing off their beers with food so, if you’re in the states, take the chance to look one up.

There’s a complete list on the Brewers' Association website - all you have to do is scroll down to find the state you’re in and you’ll find a list of the breweries. In Longmont, Colorado, for example, Left Hand Brewery is offering a daily beer and food pairing at 6pm while in Escondido, California the Stone Brewing Company has got a whole week of events including a beer and cheese pairing tonight. I also like the sound of the new ‘Grizzly Beer’ the Boundary Bay Brewery in Bellingham WA has brewed to celebrate both Craft Beer and Bear Awareness week!
 
Even if you’re in the UK you can try an American craft beer (‘craft’ being the term used for a beer made by an independent, traditional brewer). Widely distributed brews include Brooklyn Lager, Goose Island IPA and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.