In a New York Times feature titled “Riding Wave of Popularity, Craft Brewers ask Congress for a Tax Cut,” Andrew Siddons writes of brewers from across the nation gathering in Washington D.C. for their industry’s first conference. In addition to meeting to discuss their trade, plenty of lobbying took place as well.

“For every 31 gallons that we brew, $7 goes to Uncle Sam,” said Jeff Hancock, a co-founder of DC Brau. These small brewers feel they need a break.

Cleveland’s own Patrick Conway of Great Lakes Brewing Company was there as well.

“We are the victims of our own success,” said Patrick Conway, owner of the Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland. Mr. Conway brought a delegation of 12 employees to Washington to network and publicize his brews with tap takeovers at local bars. “We’re always being courted by distributors,” he said. “It’s not our intention to sell in every state, but we are flattered.”

Enjoy the entire feature here.