The origins of National American Beer Day are cloudy at best. The exact day that started it all is a mystery. We like to think that it started when several American patriots hoisted several pints, and in their revelry, they declared the day. In all the foamy fun, though, they just forgot when they made this amazing proclamation until several sober months later. Whatever the origins, we celebrate National American Beer Day on October 27 every year. It is a time to celebrate American-style beers throughout the land. To honor these amazing beers and this amazing country, enjoy drinking these patriotic beers on American Beer Day.
The History of Beer in America
Dutch and English settlers brought beer with them to America. They knew that life in the wilderness was going to be hard and full of danger. They needed a release and something to do in the long winter months while shut inside—and beer was a perfect solution. In 1632, the Dutch West India Company opened the first commercial brewery in America on the island of Manhattan. Before that, in 1587, Virginia colonists brewed the first American ale using corn. These early brewers knew they were on to something and started recruiting experienced brewers from the home office to come to the colonies.
At the dawn of the 19th century, the U.S. was producing 185,000 barrels of beer annually from 132 recognized breweries. During the century, large breweries began to pop up in Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Chicago, due in large part to an influx of German immigrants. Two of them, Miller Brewing and Anheuser-Busch, became the largest breweries in the world. No one can diminish the footprint the United States of America has put on the beer world. Sample these patriotic beers on American Beer Day!
Samuel Adams Boston Lager
Is there anything more patriotic than a beer named for a President, patriot, and American hero? Boston Lager is an American success story, as it started from nothing and became one of the most popular beers in America. Founder Jim Koch took on the big breweries and carved out his piece of the American Dream.
Pabst Blue Ribbon
Born in Chicago in 1844, the Pabst Brewery is one of the oldest in the country. Their signature Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) is brewed with a combination of malted barley, select cereal grains, and European and American hops. It had a peak in popularity in the 1970s, and hipster culture has brought it back in a big way, given how much they prefer everything old and kitschy.
#Merica
Surly Brewing Company is an entry from the ranks of the microbreweries. #Merica! is an old-school pre-Prohibition American Lager, brewed in 2015 for the Fourth of July party held by Minneapolis-based punk band, Dillinger Four. This is one of the only beers that uses the pre-Prohibition style of corn-based beer instead of using it as a substitute for barley malt.
The King of Beers
Of course, this is Budweiser, Bud Heavy, the King of Beers, the undisputed champion, and the most popular beer in the world. Budweiser is so patriotic that it was almost renamed “America.” In 2016 they labeled all their cans with “America” on them. Their red, white, and blue can is an instantly recognizable brand around the world and distinctly American.
Yuengling Lager
Still only available on the East Coast, Yuengling beer is as much of an American icon as there is. The brewery is the oldest in America and survived the Civil War and Prohibition. It is the first example of a beer dynasty in the country, and it’s an institution. They’ve made their traditional lager the same way for over 150 years.
Anthem Golden Ale
Wet your whistle and then sing the Star-Spangled Banner with Anthem Golden Ale. Released in 2014, this cream ale served to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Francis Scott Key composing the national anthem. It’s made with only American ingredients, making it a great example of American-style ale.
Liberty Ale
Liberty Ale from Anchor Brewing lives in the gray area between being a pale ale and a full-blown IPA. Liberty Ale was brewed in 1975 to commemorate the bicentennial of Paul Revere’s midnight ride to Lexington. Just like this amazing patriot, this beer announced the arrival of the craft beer revolution.
The Veteran
Veteran Beer Company was founded in 2012 by veterans with a mission of hiring and supporting military veterans and their families. Every employee at the brewery is a veteran, and many of them sustained injuries while on active duty, protecting this great nation. They are growing and hiring more veterans all the time. Their Veteran and Blonde Bomber are American ales that have won awards. Support the veterans by raising a glass.
Homefront IPA
This IPA is the annual release of the Hops for Heroes charity campaign. It was created in 2011 by Fremont Brewing and Center of the Universe Brewing. All the proceeds from the Homefront IPA go to a specific military charity. Different breweries brew the same recipe IPA, and it gets aged on Louisville Slugger solid maple baseball bats.
George Washington’s Tavern Porter
This porter is a recreation of Washington’s favorite recipe. The porter dates back to the mid-1700s when it was brewed for the officers serving under the great general who became the first President of the United States. Yard Brewing has recreated the recipe using the same ingredients used by the man himself. Molasses lays the foundation of this caramel-tasting, complex ale.
Dog Tag Lager
Dog Tag Brewing is another veteran-owned brewery that is doing great things. On each can of their delicious lager and IPA is the story of a fallen hero. They work with Gold Star families to find the stories of soldiers killed in the line of duty and bring them to the public so that they may never be forgotten. A portion of their proceeds goes military-based charities to help soldiers when they come home.
Put on your patriotic swim trunks, sweatshirt, and hat, pop some tops, and celebrate this great day. Look at our huge selection of patriotic gear today!
