A Beer Born in the Birthplace of America: Inside the 2026 CBC Commemorative Brew

As Philadelphia prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the city’s brewing legacy is taking center stage — one pint at a time. The Brewers Association has announced the official commemorative beer for the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® (CBC®), and fittingly, it’s being brewed right here in the birthplace of American independence.

The beer, titled “Of the Brewers. By the Brewers. For the Brewers.”, is a 4.7% ABV pale lager designed as a true collaboration across every tier of the brewing industry. Yards Brewing Company in Northern Liberties was selected to brew the beer, which is currently in production ahead of CBC’s return to Philadelphia from April 20–22, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center — marking the event’s first Philly appearance since 2016.

Prepared by the Brewers Association, which represents more than 9,000 small and independent American craft breweries, the commemorative beer celebrates both the craft brewing movement and Philadelphia’s foundational role in American history. The conference is expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees and aligns with both America 250 and Philly 250th commemorations.

“Of the Brewers. By the Brewers. For the Brewers.” is brewed as a single malt, single hop (SMaSH) lager, intentionally simple and clean to spotlight ingredient quality and technical precision. It features Spalter Select hops donated by IGN Hopfen, offering herbal and lightly grassy aromatics, paired with Bestmalz Heidelberg Malt, provided by The Country Malt Group. The result is a crisp, highly drinkable lager crafted for brewers to enjoy together.

Beyond the recipe, the beer represents collaboration across the brewing supply chain. Hart Print is donating digitally printed cans using its advanced direct‑to‑brite technology, with Zuckerman Honickman supplying can ends and The Royal Group donating trays. Hach contributed dissolved oxygen testing to ensure quality and stability throughout production. Together, the project reflects the industry’s interconnected strength and shared purpose.

The can’s design draws inspiration from Philadelphia’s revolutionary printing history and tavern culture. Featuring bold woodblock‑style artwork and subtle nods to Benjamin Franklin’s press and “Join, or Die” unity symbolism, the design connects early American gathering spaces to today’s collaborative brewing community.

All registered CBC attendees will receive a can during the conference in the Grand Hall of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For the public, a limited release will be available first‑come, first‑served at Yards Brewing Company, with draft pours also available during CBC week.

In true Philadelphia fashion, this beer isn’t just commemorative — it’s communal.