National Beer Day in America: History, Celebrations, Activities

National Beer Day is observed annually on April 7th. Photo: Pinterest

National Beer Day on April 7th annually, recognizes the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage. Following water and tea, it is the third most popular drink overall.

One of the world’s oldest prepared beverages, beer possibly dates back to 9500 BC when cereal was first farmed. It is also recorded in the written history of ancient Iraq and ancient Egypt.

Perhaps there’s a porter or a Belgian in your glass. Whether yours is fermented or not, dark or pale, hoppy, bitter, smooth, raise your mug. Lift it high among friends around the world, thanking those who work brewing delicious beer in your local area. And besides, beer lovers have more selection than ever before. The craft beer industry continues to challenge the classics, providing a wide variety of choices. Thanks to these opportunities, new beer drinkers are joining the club every day.

History of National Beer Day

Beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic drink, and it’s easy to see why. It comes in hundreds of types, flavors, and proofs. People have been drinking it for thousands of years; scientists have found evidence of beer production dating to 7,000 BC. Ancient Mesopotamians wrote poems about it and considered it proof of divine existence. The Ancient Egyptians used it in a number of religious ceremonies. In Medieval Europe, monks made beer in their monasteries, elevating the craft of brewing to an art form. Today, only water and tea are more widely consumed than beer, and over 35 billion gallons of beer are produced worldwide per year.

According to National Today, National Beer Day celebrates the day in 1933 that the Cullen-Harrison act was signed into law, reversing the prohibition on selling beer in the United States.

On April 7th, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act into law, ending the 13-year-long prohibition of alcohol in the United States. Photo: Reddit

One of the best things about beer is the sheer number of varieties that exist. IPAs, Pilsners, Stouts, Sours… the list goes on and on. In terms of alcohol content, beer usually ranges between 4-7% ABV, meaning you can sip a cold one on a hot summer day without much worry of intoxication. Last but not least, it’s sold in six-packs, so you can share it with your friends!

How did National Beer Day start?

In 2009, a man from Richmond, Virginia created a Facebook page in hopes to start National Beer Day. The Facebook page went viral and was noticed by a well known Colorado Beer Examiner. Since then, every year on April 7, National Beer Day has been celebrated and trends on social media with the hashtag #NationalBeerDay.

How to celebrate National Beer Day

National Beer Day has three purposes:

1. To gather with friends and enjoy the great taste of beer.

2. To celebrate those responsible for brewing and serving beer.

3. To unite the world under the banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations together on a single day.

Photo: The Manual

To celebrate National Beer Day, grab your long-time favorite brew or one that is on your beer bucket list and spend the day being thankful you weren’t around from the years of 1920 – 1932 when beer was prohibited, as cited by Just Beer. On April 7, take a tour at a local brewery, host a beer tasting party, visit your favorite brewpub, or just spend the day with your closest friends drinking your ideal drink — beer!

National Beer Day Activities

Head to a craft beer bar

These days, there are tons of venues serving local and regional specialty brews. These establishments are on top of the beer scene and have constantly rotating menus, so check back in often to see what’s new.

Tour a Brewery

Brewing beer is half science, half art. Taking a tour of a local brewery will help you appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating your favorite IPA or stout. Added bonus — there are usually free samples.

Pick up a variety of six-pack

Maybe you feel like enjoying your beer in the comfort of your own home, or around a backyard fire. That’s fine — most beverage distributors or specialty beer stores allow you to create a mix-and-match six-pack for you to take with.

5 Facts about Beer all around the world

BYOB

Per capita, the Czech Republic consumes the most beer of any country.

Booze on the go

In many countries, including Belgium and South Korea, fast-food restaurants serve beer.

Happy Birthday!

In England, it is common for boys to drink a “yard” of beer on their 18th birthday — three pints, end-to-end without, stopping.

Photo: Dorothy Lane Market

Beer and cheese

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, calls itself the beer capital of the world, hosting America’s four largest breweries.

Beer as old as time

The oldest continuously operating brewery is found in Austria, and opened its doors in 1040.

Why people love National Beer Day

There are tons of beers to try: Now more than ever, there are an endless variety of beers hitting store shelves. Experimenting with a crazy new brew can be a lot of fun.

Moreover, beer is communal. As one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, it’s easy to find someone to clink bottles with. Beer pairs nicely with almost any social gathering, because there’s a beer for almost everyone, as cited by National Today.

And another fact you may not know, beer can be healthier than other alcoholic beverages. With a lower alcohol content than wine or liquor, beer can be a safer and healthier choice for those looking to imbibe, but not overindulge. Enjoy a brew or two without much fear of a nasty hangover.

The beer business is big business in the U.S. today

“Beer across the country is a $253 billion contributor to the U.S. economy, and the amount of beer sold in the U.S. each year could fill the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool over a thousand times,” McGreevy said.

Photo: Business Wire

There are more than 4,000 active breweries in the United States, and the Beer Institute said roughly 1.75 million Americans have jobs as a result of the American beer industry. Those jobs contribute nearly $79 billion in wages and benefits each year to the U.S. economy.

According to WTOP News, the beer business is big enough that it registers about 1.5 percent of the nation’s total gross domestic product. The most rapid growth in the past decade has been the number of craft brewers. The number of small and independent craft brewers in the U.S. is at a record high.

According to the Brewers Association, based in Boulder, Colorado, craft brewers have seen double-digit growth in eight of the last 10 years. Nearly 2,400 of the nation’s active breweries are classified as microbreweries, and craft brewers now hold a 12 percent share of the overall beer industry’s market.

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