Yesterday we participated in the Brewers Association Hill Climb – an event to bring brewery perspective to our DC legislators. We discussed issues such as the extension of the Craft Beer Modernization Act, how tariffs on aluminum, steel and related products impact our industry, how breweries are a growing component of a sustainable economy, and how proper funding for the TTB helps us get our products on time (by staffing to approve beer labels). We personally met with staff for 8 senators and representatives of WA State, across many different buildings.

We began our day on the steps of the Capitol Building with our new friends from the WA Brewers Guild, Icicle Brewing and Fremont Brewing.

There were miles of crazy hallways and secret tunnels which we traveled to get from one place to another. All of DC seems to be connected with a lattice of tunnels, and even trams and a subway system.

While we were focused on WA State legislators, we enjoyed running into our other fellow brewers who were visiting their legislators. We crisscrossed each other between meetings constantly all day, making a presence in DC.

The day finished with a reception in the Rayburn building for all legislators and their staff to try beer from around the US.

For more information, check out the article published on the Brewers Association site:

Brewers Make Their Voice Heard in Washington, D.C.

We would also like to add that our Sweatsedo outfits were a HIT on Capitol Hill. So many people stopped us and commented. We weren’t missed in any crowd! If you want one, let us know – we can hook you up 🙂