It’s National Beer Day and we at The Daily Caller News Foundation know what you are thinking: With over 5,000 breweries in the U.S., how can I possibly choose the right beer?
Lucky for you, we have four recommendations to get you through the afternoon and into the evening.
First, a bit of history. The Cullen-Harrison Act became law on April 7, 1933. It marked the first time since the enactment of Prohibition that Americans were legally allowed to buy, sell and drink beer that contained up to 3.2 percent alcohol.
The day unofficially became National Beer Day in 2009 after a Virginia beer lover’s Facebook page commemorating the historic event went viral. Virginia Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe officially recognized April 7 as National Beer Day in 2017.
(FRED TANNEAU/AFP/Getty Images)
1) Yuengling Lager
Yuengling makes one of the finer low-priced lagers this great nation has to offer. It has produced the beer since the early 1800s, making it the oldest continuously operating brewery in the U.S. As such, it follows logically that it should make the list.
For a mass produced beer, it really doesn’t get any better than Yuengling Lager. Whether sipped out of its trademark green bottle or fresh off the tap, this beer offers a pleasant experience. Brewed with roasted caramel malt and a combination of hops, the lager is revered for its amber body and authentic lager flavor.
The one caveat is folks west of the Mississippi River won’t be able to find a Yuengling, as the brewery solely provides the east coast its heavenly nectar.
2) Lagunitas India Pale Ale (IPA )
Despite selling 50 percent of the brewery to European-based Heineken, Lagunitas is still worthy of being on the list for its fantastically drinkable IPA.
Known for its flawless balance of hops and malt, the brewery first introduced its signature IPA in 1995 to widespread acclaim in the southern California region. Brewed with caramel malts and a healthy offering of hops to bring that truly delectable bitterness, Lagunitas IPA is a must have for your National Beer Day. If it helps, it also clocks in at 6.2 percent alcohol.
3) DC Brau Corruption IPA
The Corruption is only for those living within the Beltway, but a day that celebrates both beer and national politics must make an appearance on National Beer Day. The beer is DC Brau’s take on a Pacific Northwest IPA — a hopped-up style of beer known for its aggressive bitterness and assertive bite.
DC Brau used Pale 2 row, C-10, Honey and Victory malts to create a gorgeous dark orange body. To add bitterness, brewers threw in 40 lbs of Columbus hops to bring the brew to whopping 80 international bitterness unites (IBUs). That is a lot of bitterness for a canned beer. Hop lovers, enjoy.
The can features also include a great factoid for your reading pleasure as you sip its contents: “In 1824, Speaker of the House Henry Clay forged a coalition that secured the White House for John Quincy Adams. In return, Adams named Clay as his secretary of state in what became known as ‘The Corrupt Bargain’.”
4) Founders Porter
Coming to you straight out of Grand Rapids, Mich., Founders brewery makes one of the finest porters in the U.S. For those of you who don’t like hops or lighter beers, this one is the beer for you. George Washington was well known for both brewing his own porter and carrying a silver mug filled with his signature brew at all hours of the day and night. Be like George, grab a beer.
Founders Porter perennially gets some of the best reviews of not only porters but American beers in general. Beer Advocate, a well-respected beer review website, gives it a 94/100. The beer pours out thick, creamy and black as night, with a thick, frothy head.
Chocolate and caramel tones take over the second this beer hits the tongue. Make your mouth happy. You deserve it.
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