CONSENT OF NEEDHAM & COMPANY, INC.



     We hereby consent to the inclusion in the Proxy Statement of Nor'Wester 
Brewing Company, Inc., Willamette Valley, Inc. Microbreweries Across America, 
Aviator Ales, Inc., Bayhawk Ales, Inc., and Mile High Brewing
Company / Prospectus of United Craft Brewers, Inc. (the "Proxy
Statement/Prospectus") forming part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4
of our opinion dated May 12, 1997 to the Board of Directors of Nor'Wester
Brewing Company, Inc. attached as Annex C to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
to the references to our opinion under the captions "Summary--The Consolidation
and Investment," "The Consolidation and Investment by UBA--Background of the
Consolidation and Investment by UBA," "The Consolidation and Investment by
UBA--Nor'Wester's Reasons for the Consolidation; Recommendations of the Board of
Directors of Nor'Wester," and "The Consolidation and Investment by 
UBA--Opinion of Needham & Company, Inc." In giving such consent, we do not 
admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required 
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations 
of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.


                                       /s/ Needham & Company, Inc

                                       NEEDHAM & COMPANY, INC.


July 23, 1997