Once upon a time, the beer lovers of the United States were very sad. The government ratified the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, banning all intoxicating liquors, including beer, beginning the period of American history we now know as Prohibition. However, in 1933, the government saw the light and President Roosevelt ended this dark era.
The date was April 7, so now we celebrate New Beer’s Eve each year on April 6! Go grab a beer and toast to your ability to drink it!
Important Dates in Beer History:
1800 BC – The Hymn to Ninkasi, the Sumerian goddess of beer, is inscribed on a tablet. That’s right, an ode to beer.
1920 – Prohibition, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, goes into effect and all intoxicating alcohols are banned. And then, darkness set in….
1933 – FDR’s election meant it was time to put an end to that nonsense. His Congress adopted the 21st amendment, which repealed the 18th.
1972 – Cascade hops were developed in Corvallis, Oregon in 1956. They weren’t released to brewers until 1972, becoming the hallmark aroma of American beers.
Did You Know…?
Beer, it does a body good. Craft beer has plenty of silicon in it, which helps build and maintain strong bones.
India Pale Ale is everyone’s favorite. Well, maybe not everyone’s, but India Pale Ale (IPA) is the most popular craft beer in America.
Presidents make their own. George Washington, Barack Obama, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison all brewed their own craft beers at home—while in office.
Sometimes your cup runneth out. “Cenosillicaphobia” is the fear of an empty beer glass
Beer is the world’s most widely-consumed alcoholic beverage!
And if all of this weren’t enough reason to celebrate, April 7th is National Beer Day! This year, that falls on a Sunday, so stay home and keep the Beer Love going all day long! Cheers to you!
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