Ipswich, MA – May 1, 2008 -- American Craft Beer Week (May 12-18), which is celebrated annually, highlights the industry and culture of craft beer. This year, breweries and beer makers will also recognize their collective charitable contributions. For the first time ever, the Brewers Association announced U.S. craft breweries’ charitable contributions, and for 2007 they are estimated to be more than $20 million with Mercury Brewing Company, brewers of Ipswich Ale, Stone Cat, & Mercury Soda Pop having donated over $10,000. Mercury has helped raise thousands more through a generous discount program for non-profit organizations.


In addition to donating packaged beer and soda products, Mercury’s spent grain is donated to local farms for use as animal feed and composting materials. While some breweries charge for spent grain, Mercury has elected to furnish local farms with spent grain free of charge. This decreases farmers’ cost of animal feed and also helps preserve the rural farming tradition.

“We donate to non-profit groups located in Ipswich and the surrounding communities,” said Rob Martin, President of Mercury Brewing Company. “A majority of our beer and soda sales come from these communities and as a small, locally-owned business it’s important for us to give back to the community that supports us.”


About American Craft Beer Week:

Changed to a weeklong event in 2006, the inaugural American Craft Beer Week was recognized by the U.S. Congress with House Resolution 753 (.pdf file). The week has continued to attract interest and support from beer lovers and the media. In 2007, more than 150 brewers registered their community celebrations at www.americancraftbeerweek.org.

Also new, SAVOR: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience (May 16-17), will be held to commemorate American Craft Beer Week in Washington DC. The event will showcase craft beer and food pairings with participation from 48 independent craft brewers. SAVOR signifies food and beverage lovers increasing interest and knowledge of beer and food pairings.


About Mercury Brewing Company:

Located in historic Ipswich, Massachusetts, Mercury Brewing Company emerged in 1999 when Rob Martin, then Director of Operations for Ipswich Brewing Company, purchased the brewery and renamed the company Mercury Brewing and Distribution Company. While continuing production of Ipswich Ale, Martin expanded the company with Stone Cat Ales and Lagers, Mercury Premium Sodas, and numerous contract brewing agreements.

For more information and a list of brewery celebrations by state please visit: www.americancraftbeerweek.org and for more information on Mercury Brewing Company please visit: http://www.mercurybrewing.com