First Posted: 7/1/2014
In recent decades, America has gone from a sad beer landscape with only a handful of similar bland-tasting beers to a vibrant and thriving beer scene. The ingenuity and forward thinking of America’s brewers have created a beer scene that the rest of the world now looks upon not with disdain, but with envy.
In this current landscape, nothing truly says “America” more than an American craft beer, and you can also enjoy your apple pie and hot dogs with any number of these great beers! This year, while celebrating the Fourth of July at backyard barbeques, the pool, or amidst firework displays, enjoy some of these fantastic craft beers that are truly American through and through!
Anchor Brewing Company, Anchor Liberty Ale: This is a beer rich with history and also one that many argue changed the American beer landscape. Liberty Ale was first brewed in 1975 to celebrate the bicentennial of Paul Revere’s historic ride. As the first modern American IPA brewed after prohibition and the first modern American single-hop ale and dry-hopped ale, Anchor’s Liberty Ale is the original craft brewed ale and the historic beer that started a revolution. It is also a beer that has stood the test of time and is still just as enjoyable today!
Yards Brewing Co., Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale: This is history in a glass and is based upon our founding father and avid homebrewer Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe! This strong golden ale tips the scales at 8 percent ABV as well. Not only is this beer highly drinkable, it also shows the foresight that Jefferson had even in good beer – truly a drink to toast to the past and future of America!
21st Amendment Brewery, Brew Free! Or Die IPA: The artwork alone for this beer will spark a patriotic movement within you; Abraham Lincoln is pictured breaking free from Mount Rushmore! However, the true movement is the delicious and balanced IPA within the can – yes, can – that will leave you inspired to enjoy another one. The fact that that this fantastic IPA comes in a can makes it seem even more American in spirit and should motivate you to bring a few along to any outdoor summer activities!
Avery Brewing Company, Ale to the Chief: This Imperial Pale Ale, or rather Presidential Pale Ale, as Avery calls it, is unique in that it is brewed every four years to commemorate the President’s inauguration. A beer that celebrates our democracy is certainly one worth drinking, and as with all of Avery’s beers, this is no exception – very balanced, but best enjoyed fresh. Thankfully, we don’t have too long to go until the next batch is brewed up!
Cigar City Brewing, Homefront IPA: Another wonderful and balanced beer from a fantastic brewery, or in this case, breweries. This is a collaboration beer between several breweries that is released every Memorial Day, with a large amount of proceeds going to charity. This beer is unique in that it was actually aged with wooden baseball bats – now that is American! Also, in 2014, a minimum of $150,000 from the sale of this beer will be donated to Operation Homefront, an organization providing emergency financial and other assistance to our service members and wounded warriors, making it even more American!
The craft beer movement occurring right now in America is something worth celebrating, and while enjoying craft beers is certainly an American way to celebrate, so is celebrating safely! So grab yourself some great American craft beer and toast to those who have made this country the wonderful place that it is today. Cheers!
