What’s still based on centuries-old technology but is experiencing a renaissance of growth and entrepreneurship today? Brewing beer—that frothy, cold beverage that millions enjoy responsibly each day. You’ve probably seen a new local brewery open, literally in a garage, based on someone’s home-brewing experience. These local brewers are manufacturers.

Within a 20-minute walk of my house in Seattle are 10 local breweries, yet I don’t live in one of the top 10 beer-drinking states as defined by 24/7 Wall Street. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

People have been making their own beer and wine for more than 7,000 years. The invention of thermometers and hydrometers during the 1800s allowed brewers to expand their operations with greater consistency via better measurement and controls.

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