Microbreweries providing boost to Mid-Missouri economy

JEFFERSON CITY — New research on Sunday showed an increase in the amount of American microbreweries.

Jefferson City’s Prison Brews is the only microbrewery in the Capital City, employing more than 40 people.

“We do help by paying local city and state taxes here in Jefferson City," Prison Brews Manager Josh Phillips said. "We do a lot of donations.”

New numbers from the Brewers Association for Small and Independent Craft Brewers show Missouri ranks 17th in the country for producing more than 370,000 barrels of craft beer every year. Research shows the craft brewing industry contributed $76.2 billion to the U.S. economy in 2017 with more than 500,000 jobs.

The staff and management of Flat Branch Pub and Brewing are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Flat Branch brewers, which has a staff of more than 100, said the craft industry is exploding.

“We were the original brewpub that opened up the industry for all of these other great breweries," Flat Branch Brewer Kyle Butusov said. "Five years from now, I think we are still going to be a solid portion of what the craft beer industry represents. I don’t think we are going anywhere any time soon.”

Tyson Hunt calls himself the Captain of Columbia’s Logboat Brewing Company. Logboat management and staff are celebrating their fifth anniversary this year. Logboat has 20 employees who distribute their craft beer to 26 Missouri counties.

“Last year in 2018, our sales volume grew about 18 percent. Things are going good," Hunt said. "I think we’ve had a pretty good impact, I hope, here regionally, especially here in Columbia. We love to give back to our community.”

Hunt predicted continued sales growth for all local microbreweries as their popularity continues to tap into the lives of mid-Missourians.

Research shows American craft beer brewers were also responsible for billions of dollars in annual sales of non-beer products including food and merchandise.