Annually observed on April 7th, National Beer Day commemorates the rich history, cultural significance, and widespread popularity of one of the world's most favored alcoholic beverages. In 2020 alone, a staggering 177.5 million kiloliters of beer were sold globally, equivalent to about 46 billion gallons.

That's an impressive amount of beer! The creation of this holiday seems fitting, especially since it follows another beer-related celebration the day before: New Beer's Eve. With the anticipation that a substantial amount of this beverage will be consumed on these two consecutive days, anyone intending to partake in this holiday should ensure they have no conflicting obligations. Cheers to a day dedicated to appreciating the global love for beer!

What is National Beer Day?

1. Purpose:

   • National Beer Day celebrates the legalization of beer after a long period of Prohibition in the United States. It is a day for beer enthusiasts to raise a glass to the freedom to brew, buy, and enjoy beer, and to appreciate the cultural and historical significance of beer in America. The day also recognizes the contributions of the beer industry to the economy and social life of the country.

2. Historical Context:

   • National Beer Day marks the day that the Cullen-Harrison Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, went into effect on April 7, 1933. This act allowed the legal sale of beer with an alcohol content of up to 3.2% by weight (4% by volume), effectively ending Prohibition for beer. The full repeal of Prohibition came later in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st Amendment, but April 7th remains a significant date in American history for beer lovers.

History and Origins of National Beer Day

1. Prohibition and the Cullen-Harrison Act:

   • Prohibition Era: Prohibition in the United States lasted from 1920 to 1933, following the passage of the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act, which banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This period saw the closure of breweries, speakeasies operating illegally, and a rise in bootlegging and organized crime.
   • Cullen-Harrison Act: In response to the economic hardships of the Great Depression and growing public dissatisfaction with Prohibition, Congress passed the Cullen-Harrison Act. Signed by President Roosevelt on March 22, 1933, the act allowed the sale of beer with a low alcohol content (3.2% ABW or 4% ABV), which was considered non-intoxicating under the Volstead Act. The law went into effect on April 7, 1933, prompting celebrations across the country as people lined up to purchase legal beer for the first time in 13 years.

2. Creation of National Beer Day:

   • National Beer Day was created in 2009 by Justin Smith, a beer enthusiast from Richmond, Virginia. Smith, along with his friend Mike Connolly, started a Facebook page to promote the day, and it quickly gained popularity among beer lovers. Their efforts were recognized by the beer community and even received a proclamation from the Governor of Virginia. Since then, National Beer Day has become widely celebrated across the country.

3. Celebration and Recognition:

   • National Beer Day has grown into a popular celebration with bars, breweries, and beer lovers hosting events, tastings, and special deals to mark the occasion. It has also gained recognition on social media, with the hashtag #NationalBeerDay being used to share photos, stories, and toasts from people enjoying their favorite brews.

How to Celebrate National Beer Day

There are countless ways to celebrate National Beer Day, whether you’re a casual beer drinker, a homebrewer, or a craft beer connoisseur:

1. Visit a Local Brewery:

   • Support your local breweries by visiting them on National Beer Day. Many breweries host special events, release limited-edition beers, or offer discounts and deals to celebrate the day. Take a brewery tour, meet the brewers, and learn more about the brewing process.

2. Try a New Beer:

   • Use National Beer Day as an opportunity to try a new beer or beer style. Explore different types of beer, from lagers and ales to stouts, IPAs, and sours. Expand your palate by sampling beers from different breweries or regions.

3. Host a Beer Tasting:

   • Gather friends and family for a beer tasting party. Choose a variety of beers to sample, provide tasting notes, and encourage guests to share their thoughts and preferences. You can focus on a specific style, brewery, or region, or explore a wide range of flavors.

4. Toast to History:

   • At 12:01 a.m. on April 7th, raise a glass and toast to the end of Prohibition for beer and the freedom to enjoy a good brew. Reflect on the significance of this moment in American history and the role beer plays in bringing people together.

5. Pair Beer with Food:

   • Plan a beer-pairing dinner that matches different styles of beer with complementary dishes. For example, pair a light lager with seafood, a rich stout with chocolate dessert, or a hoppy IPA with spicy dishes. Beer and food pairings can enhance both the flavors of the beer and the meal.

6. Brew Your Own Beer:

   • If you're a homebrewer or interested in brewing, use National Beer Day as an occasion to brew your own beer. Experiment with new recipes or ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating a unique brew from scratch.

7. Learn About Beer History:

   • Take some time to learn about the history of beer, brewing, and Prohibition in the United States. Watch documentaries, read articles or books, or visit museums and historical sites dedicated to beer and its cultural significance.

8. Share on Social Media:

   • Share your National Beer Day celebration on social media using hashtags like #NationalBeerDay. Post photos of your beer tastings, brewery visits, or favorite brews and connect with other beer enthusiasts celebrating the day.

9. Support Responsible Drinking:

   • While celebrating National Beer Day, remember to drink responsibly. Encourage moderation, arrange for safe transportation if needed, and promote a positive drinking culture.

10. Plan a Pub Crawl:

    • Organize a pub crawl with friends to visit several local bars or breweries. Sample different beers at each stop, enjoy the atmosphere, and meet new people who share your love for beer.

Fun Facts About National Beer Day

• First Beer Legalized: When the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect on April 7, 1933, over 1.5 million barrels of beer were consumed within the first 24 hours. Breweries and taverns across the country celebrated with large parties and festivities.

• Roosevelt’s Famous Quote: Upon signing the Cullen-Harrison Act, President Franklin D. Roosevelt is believed to have said, "I think this would be a good time for a beer," a statement that remains a favorite among beer lovers.

• Craft Beer Boom: The United States is home to over 9,000 breweries, most of which are small, independent craft breweries. The craft beer movement has contributed to a renewed interest in diverse beer styles, flavors, and brewing techniques.

• Beer’s Economic Impact: The beer industry contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting millions of jobs across brewing, distribution, retail, and hospitality sectors.

• State Laws Vary: While the Cullen-Harrison Act allowed the sale of beer nationwide, state and local laws regarding the sale and consumption of beer still vary widely across the country.

Conclusion

National Beer Day is a joyous celebration of beer, brewing, and the freedom to enjoy a good brew. Whether you’re raising a glass to history, trying new beers, supporting local breweries, or learning about the rich culture of brewing, this day offers an opportunity to appreciate the role of beer in American society. As you celebrate on April 7th, remember the historical significance of the day and enjoy responsibly. Cheers to beer! ????