EDGE New York City

Fortunately for those whose budgets and schedules preclude the trip, there is plenty to do - and drink - in the U.S. during the fall beer festival season. Think of it as Oktoberfest in America.

After years of shipping beer farther and farther away, many small brewers are now shrinking distribution to sell beer more profitably at home. The strategy reflects the nation’s growing thirst for boutique beers from independent breweries.

All proceeds (minimum $50,000) will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society. "We hope that Japan and its people will bounce back from the tsunami tragedy stronger than ever!" exclaims Ishii.

More than 140 bottles of American-style India Pale Ale sit stacked in donated Bud Light and King Cobra boxes, labors of hop love brewed by a cast of characters.

Dutch brewer Heineken NV says it will buy Mexican brewer Femsa in an all-share deal that values the maker of Dos Equis, Tecate and Sol beers at around $7.6 billion (euro5.3 billion), including debt.