Beer: An American Revolution

**Shek** · 09 Mar 09,, 20:20

In 1920, the National Prohibition Act destroyed the beer industry in the United States, putting some 1,500 breweries out of business. When the "noble experiment" was repealed in 1933, beer lovers rejoiced, and the beer industry staggered back to its feet. The industry had lost much of its diversity, however, and the emergence of national brands in the 1950s and 1960s led to industry consolidation and fewer choices for American beer drinkers. By 1980, there were less than 50 breweries in the U.S.

By the 1980s, American beer had an international reputation as weak and watery as a case of Hamm's. Most breweries only produced American-style lagers, a light and inexpensive style of beer typically made with rice or corn adjuncts in addition to barley, hops, yeast and water.

What American beer lovers didn’t know at the time was that a revolution was imminent. In 1979, a clerical error in the 21st Amendment was corrected, and for the first time in nearly 50 years it became legal to brew small batches of beer at home. Home brewers who had little interest in cutting costs or making beer with mass appeal began brewing big, flavorful beers in a wide range of styles. Many of these home brewers decided to turn their passion into small businesses, and microbreweries began popping up all over the country.

Today, although mainstream beers still dominate the market, more than 14,00 breweries in the U.S. produce more styles of beer than anywhere else in the world, and American beers routinely dominate international beer competitions.

So the next time you’re at your favorite brewpub, hold your glass up high and celebrate the American beer revolution.

**gunnut** · 09 Mar 09,, 20:24

I love beer, even the light American lagers.

**Kernow** · 09 Mar 09,, 21:54

Never liked American Beer, much prefer the 'Real Ales' in the UK.

**Johnny W** · 10 Mar 09,, 00:37

I am not much of a fan of any Beer, American or otherwise. But I do love good Bourbon.

**Doomarias** · 10 Mar 09,, 01:16

Originally Posted by Johnny W

I am not much of a fan of any Beer, American or otherwise. But I do love good Bourbon.

amen

**bonehead** · 10 Mar 09,, 05:01

Originally Posted by Shek

http://reason.tv/video/show/683.html

I was under the impression most American beers in the 1980's were pilsners.

When growing up I was under the impression I did not like beer as I was mostly handed a warm can of watered down tinny/aluminumy skunk pee. Then I got to college and was educated on micro brews. if one can't find something they like from the thousands of micros in the US they are not trying hard enough, or just do not like beer, period.

**Shek** · 10 Mar 09,, 12:43

Originally Posted by bonehead

I was under the impression most American beers in the 1980's were pilsners.

When growing up I was under the impression I did not like beer as I was mostly handed a warm can of watered down tinny/aluminumy skunk pee. Then I got to college and was educated on micro brews. if one can't find something they like from the thousands of micros in the US they are not trying hard enough, or just do not like beer, period.

One time when my parents visited me when I was stationed at Fort Lewis, I had about three different microbrews in the fridge to choose from. After having one his first night, he declared that he had to go to a convenient mart and returned with a 12pk of Bud. For some, old habits don't die.

**Albany Rifles** · 10 Mar 09,, 16:12

My Dad always drank Scotch instead of beer because he said the beer gave him terrible gas. Then he tried this stuff called Sam Adams back in the early 1990s. Problem solved.

The type of beer I drink is dependent on the occasion. Cold winter day...a good ale is great. But on a hot summer day watching a baseball game in the bleachers nothing beats a cold Bud.

**Kernow** · 10 Mar 09,, 20:09

Bourbon, Bud. YUK.

**Walking Dead** · 10 Mar 09,, 21:20

I LOVE beer. My latest favorite is Boddingtons. Umm...

**Kernow** · 10 Mar 09,, 21:35

Originally Posted by Walking Dead

I LOVE beer. My latest favorite is Boddingtons. Umm...

Boddingtons, made in Strangeways Brewery Manchester, not bad. But if you can get hold of any try, Old Speckled Hen or Tangle Foot.

S2 · 10 Mar 09,, 22:59

Big fan of bourbon though I'm truly at the sippin' stage. Brew in the N.W. is huge. Microbrews everywhere and have been since I got out here in 1985. Sadly, mostly ales still... but increasingly lagers and Pilsners are hitting the scene.

Brits, Germans and others can continue to roll their eyes but those who've been here and tried the micros know the facts. We've great barley, malt, GREAT water, and a bunch of old hippies that prefer growing hops to reefer now.

The explosion was huge and changed the drinking landscape. We're far better, hic...for it.

)

So too wine and sparkling wine. Awesome quality now.

**dave lukins** · 11 Mar 09,, 01:08

Originally Posted by S-2

Big fan of bourbon though I'm truly at the sippin' stage. Brew in the N.W. is huge. Microbrews everywhere and have been since I got out here in 1985. Sadly, mostly ales still... but increasingly lagers and Pilsners are hitting the scene.

Brits, Germans and others can continue to roll their eyes but those who've been here and tried the micros know the facts. We've great barley, malt, GREAT water, and a bunch of old hippies that prefer growing hops to reefer now.

The explosion was huge and changed the drinking landscape. We're far better, hic...for it.

)

So too wine and sparkling wine. Awesome quality now.

Steve, not wishing to contradict, please send a dozen cases for me to sample. When I wake from the coma I will give my report

)

**tankie** · 11 Mar 09,, 01:32

Originally Posted by Chaobam Armour

Boddingtons, made in Strangeways Brewery Manchester, not bad. But if you can get hold of any try, Old Speckled Hen or Tangle Foot.

Theakstons old peculiar is aptly named ,, i like Newcastle Brown Ale , but my fav is German brews , namely Herforder pils and San Miguel light , which is brewed in the Phillipines to an old Bavarian recipe , cant say i ever tried any yank grogg ,, any tips boys

**Shek** · 11 Mar 09,, 01:41

As much as I enjoy Sam Adams and some Pacific Northwest microbrews, the nectar of the gods prize still belongs to http://www.winkler-braeu.de/index01.html