National American Beer Day 2017: Facts And History Of Celebrating US Brews

National American Beer Day falls on October 27 every year. It is a day to honor all American beers and also serves as the perfect excuse for beer drinkers to indulge in America’s favorite domestic brews. From traditional beer offerings like Coors Light, Miller High Life, Budweiser and Michelob Ultra Light to microbreweries like Brooklyn Brewery, people in the United States are encouraged to celebrate American beer.

While all breweries in America make different kinds of beer, the most common is America style lager. The pale lager is known to be inspired by beer recipes that were brought to the US by German immigrants, according to Time and Date, a company based in Norway which is committed to giving people time and date related information to suit their needs, according to its official website. Other styles of American beer also include American Pale Ale, American style India Pale Ale and Belgian style ale.

There is also some interesting history attached to why American beer should be celebrated. According to an article on the website History.com, it was after the approval of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution during the early 20th century that alcohol was legally available in the country. Before the amendment, the manufacture, transportation, and sale of intoxicating liquor were banned. This period in American history is known as ‘Prohibition’.

Although there was a significant 30 percent drop in alcohol consumption and a decline in drunken arrests, illegal production and sale of liquor, also known as bootlegging along with the rise in illegal drinking spots and mounting gang violence among other crimes faded the support for Prohibition. It was after that in early 1933 that Congress adopted a motion to revoke the 18th amendment and proposed the 21st Amendment, thus bringing the Prohibition era to a close.

The 21st Amendment was approved on December 5, 1933.

Historical records also show that even before European settlers reached the shores of the country, Native American tribes brewed beer using maize. However, mass production of beer only began in the U.S. in the late 19th century. Beer became such a popular beverage among Americans that it rapidly replaced other spirits to become America’s alcoholic beverage of choice.

America also has a long history of brewing their beer at home as America’s first and third president George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, respectively are said to be home brewers.

According to Punchbowl, Americans drink more than 50 billion pints of beer each year which is "enough to fill 1 out of every 25 residential in-ground pools in the US." Punchbowl, a company based in Framingham, Massachusetts, creates digital solutions for the celebrations market.

The beer did fall out of favor during the prohibition era when alcohol was banned from the country. Even so, today, apart from big beer manufacturers, the U.S. has also seen a rise in breweries and microbreweries.

To celebrate this boozy day, head over to your local bar and sample some American beers. Cheers to National American Beer Day, and do drink responsibly.