Do you know about National Beer Day? It’s an unofficial holiday that celebrates all things beer and a turning of the tide in United States history.
On April 7, 1933, the Cullen-Harrison act went into effect, effectively legalizing the sale of most beer and wine after 13 years of prohibition.
Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt weeks earlier, the Cullen-Harrison act removed a ban on the sale of beers and wines with an alcohol content below 3.2%, once considered to be “too low” of a percent to lead to intoxication.
After signing the bill into law, Roosevelt famously said,”I think this would be a good time for a beer.”
It was one of the first acts that laid the groundwork for the repeal of the 18th Amendment which had outlawed “intoxicating liquors” more than a decade prior and once again allowed for adults to imbibe on their favorite spirits in the daylight and not under the cover of darkness.
Once signed into law, Americans far and wide celebrated with a cold one on April 7, and have been doing so ever since.
So what’s the best way to celebrate National Beer Day in 2024? I’m sure you can see where this is going.
Now there’s no shortage of quality beer in America, including many in California, but which craft brews are the most popular?
Casino.ca, a Canada-based gambling site, conducted a survey of 2,000 Americans of legal age and asked them.
In California, the No. 1 craft beer brand is Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., the Chico brewery known for Torpedo and Hazy Little Thing IPAs, as well as Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which was ranked as California’s favorite beer.
California’s second-favorite beer is Stone IPA, popular offering from San Diego County brewery Stone Brewing.
Other illuminating responses to the survey, include the state’s favorite type of craft beer (pale ale), the percentage of Californians who drink craft beer (83%) and what percent of those drinkers would choose craft brews over other alcoholic beverage (52%).
While there wasn’t enough data for all states, the survey did find that one well-known craft beer company was beloved more than others. Samuel Adams was named the top craft brewery brand in 22 states.
Since that day more than 90 years ago when beer was reintroduced into the American mainstream, the industry has continued to find success, boosted in large part by craft beer drinkers, hobbyists and breweries.
In 2023, the craft beer market grew by more than 13% and it was expected to be a $140 billion dollar industry this year, according to Casino.ca.
So if you enjoy partaking in an intoxicating liquor in a responsible manner, this Sunday, have a beer in a celebration of American history.
Cheers!