Year in review: 1997. (brewing industry)

Beer sales climbed up a notch, and imports had another banner year.

The domestic brewing industry has performed well in recent years," says Matthew Hein, director of statistical and information services for the Beer Institute of Washington, D.C. "In spite of the 1990 excise tax increase, and the fierce competition among the major brewers, small craft brewers, imports and other alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, total industry sales are positive. Estimated domestic withdrawals rose 0.2% in 1997, after gaining 0.7% in 1996. The last time domestic sales increased two years