What better way to celebrate America than with beer that embodies the spirit in which she was conceived. At many cookouts and get togethers I am sure that there will be plenty of Bud Light to go around. That is all well and good, but I dare you to adopt the ideals of our forefathers and buck the system. Declare your own independence from your father's beer and join the craft beer revolution!
I have compiled a list of five of my favorite patriotic beers. They are in no particular order, but are all worthy of pouring down your gullet. Just slow down enough let your taste buds partake as well.
21st Amendment - Brew Free! or Die IPA
We start the list off with a brewery that celebrates the Amendment to the Constitution that repealed the sham that was prohibition. This great IPA comes from San Francisco based 21st Amendment Brewery. It is a well balanced IPA with some great citrusy grapefruit notes. I have seen this on tap in and around the Mansfield area. It can also be purchased at Dubs's Liquors as well as Wines & More.
Anchor Brewing Co. - Liberty Ale
This is another San Francisco beer, yes the West Coast makes some darn good beer! Anchor Brewing has its roots in the late 1800's but the company as we know it came to be in the 1970's, and it credited with getting the craft beer movement started. Liberty Ale is one of their earliest offerings and it will not let you down. It is a well balanced American IPA with a hoppy start and a bread finish. It was brewed to celebrate the Bi-centenial of Paul Revere's ride... what better way to celebrate the start of a revolution, than by "starting a revolution".
Dark Horse Brewing Co. - Plead The 5th Imperial Stout
This Russian Imperial Stout hails from Dark Horse Brewing Co. in Michigan. It is a limited offering and is only released by the brewery. Is there anything more American than not having to incriminate yourself in a court of law? Probably, but this is a cool name for a cool beer. It is a high alcohol offering that has some great chocolate and malty flavors, and its low carbonation level makes it really smooth. If you find it in the winter, buy it! It will warm you up!
Yards Brewing Co. - Jefferson Tavern Ale
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights , that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"
With these words Jefferson marked himself a traitor and an enemy of the Crown. Talk about some brass... uh, guts! Jefferson was 33 when penned this world famous document telling the King how things were going to be. I am 32 and I am afraid to tell my parents how things are going to be!
Yards Brewing appropriately celebrates this great American by brewing up a great beer that not only bears his name, but is his actual recipe. It has a nice hoppy flavor with complex spice notes. It is an old recipe so expect various flavors.
Boston Beer Co. - Samuel Adams Boston Lager
How could I be from the Boston Area and not include the beer that put Boston beer on the map. I am sure everyone reading this has at least tried this beer, drinking it at least once is part of being a Bostonian. It is a good beer with a great balance of sweet and bitter with a solid aftertaste. Samuel Adams was the definition of a Patriot so if you are unable to find any of the other beers I mentioned, at least enjoy this one!
Happy 4th of July everyone! Enjoy your holiday and raise your beers to the men who risked it all so we could have freedom. Just do it responsibly please!
Cheers!