You know on occasions like this, I have to throw you a dose of history with your beer knowledge!
Every year on April 7th we celebrate National Beer day, marking the anniversary of the day in which the Cullen–Harrison Act was enacted, allowing people to buy, sell and drink beer containing up to 3.2% alcohol by weight (or 4.05% by volume).
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the legislation on March 22, 1933, remarking “I think this would be a good time for a beer.” Sixteen days later when the law went into effect, people all over the country gathered outside of their local breweries in anticipation. On the first day of sales alone, 1.5 million barrels of beer were consumed, inspiring the holiday we celebrate today.
The Cullen-Harrison Act redefined an “intoxicating beverage” under the Volstead Act, and should not be confused with the day the Eighteenth Amendment (prohibition) was repealed (which was December 5, 1933). This year, we celebrate 85 years of being able to buy, sell and consume alcohol in the US!
As if you didn’t already have enough reasons to crack open a beer today, here are a few more to consider. In moderation, beer can have good effects on your body! For one, beer contains antioxidants, which can lower your risk of heart attack, diabetes and bone disease. It can also help ease stress—a truly theraputic mental wellness benefit.
Beer also has social benefits. Many of us make lifelong friends through visiting local breweries and talking to the person next to us. Or maybe it’s bonding with your co-workers over a few cold ones during happy hour. Beer is also known to increase your confidence, making it that much easier to make a new friend!
Today, you can celebrate in several ways:
- Visit your favorite local brewery and maybe even make a new friend while you’re there.
- Pro tip: Consider bringing home a crowler or growler of your favorite brew to be enjoyed later!
- Crack open a old one to enjoy with some friends. Maybe even make it a group bottle share!
- Pro tip: Download Untappd to rate and notate any beers you drink, so you can remember them for later.
- Try a new beer that you’ve never had before.
- Pro tip: Check Beer Advocate or Untappd for ratings if you come across something you’re unsure about.
- Homebrew your own beer, whether you’re an expert, or just a beginner.
- Pro tip: If you’re just getting started, you can find my homebrew guide here.
I hope you all take the time to enjoy National Beer Day. Leave me a comment below to tell me how you celebrated the day!
@beerfreaker 