National American Beer Day 2016: Facts And History Behind Boozy Celebration Of US Brews

Thursday marks the day this year when America gives praise to beer that is crafted on U.S. soil. National American Beer Day is a time dedicated to drinking domestic brews. From traditional offerings like Coors Light, Miller High Life, Budweiser and Michelob Ultra Light to microbrews like Brooklyn Brewery, people are being encouraged to celebrate and take pride in American beer.

There is some history behind why American beer should be celebrated in the first place. Back in the 1920s, drinking beer was against the law and could have landed you in jail. After the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution during the early 20th century, legal alcohol was almost non-existent. The period known as Prohibition banned the sale, transportation and manufacturing of intoxicating alcohol. While the Amendment initially saw success, such as a 30 percent drop in alcohol consumption and a decline in drunken arrests, people also found other ways to consume alcohol.

Alcohol was illegally manufactured, an act known as "bootlegging," it was also made in private homes and then smuggled across state lines and businesses like clubs and stores known as "speakeasies" sold alcohol as well. By 1933, Congress created a solution by presenting the 21st Amendment which annulled the 18th Amendment and ended the prohibition era.

Nowadays, more than six billion gallons of beer is produced each year by more than 2,500 breweries in the United States, Punchbowl reported. There are a variety of beer styles produced in America including stout, porter and Indian Pale Ale. Americans are clearly a fan of these various brews, as more than 50 billion pints are consumed annually.

Some of the beer styles originally created in America include Cascadian dark ale, steam beer, Pennsylvania porter, cream ale and amber ale.

To celebrate this boozy day, hit the bar or head home to enjoy a glass or two of your favorite American beer. Cheers to National American Beer Day, and drink responsibly.