United States Beer Reviews
Although beer existed in the United States from its birth (and before), it wasn’t until Prohibition that the state of beer in America was truly united. Today, the United States is arguably the world’s most important beer market, where brewers enjoy the most freedom to practice and advance their craft. The market is a true melting pot of brewing styles and traditions, and the beer community is as vibrant as it is diverse. While things really got started during and as a result of the Prohibition Era (1919-1933), fermented drinks pre-date the country’s founding in 1776. Hailed as a land of opportunity, huge macrobrewing enterprises like AB InBev and MillerCoors co-exist alongside a growing number of small craft beer companies. A country built by immigrants, America has heavy European brewing influences. The number of influential breweries are too great to number, and the list continues to evolve as independent brewers push innovation in the craft and give the world more and more interesting lagers and ales to explore.
by Noel | Imperial / Double IPA, O'so Brewing Company, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass, Wisconsin |
Imperial beers are as much about creativity as they are extremity. So maybe I shouldn’t have been quite as surprised as I was to spy O’so’s Lupulin Maximus on a shelf in a Milwaukee liquor store and think, “Does that label really say what I think it says?” Upon closer...
by Michael Larson | 21st Amendment Brewery, California, Pint Glass, United States, Winter Ale / Warmer |
So … Christmas in July? Well, I didn’t realize exactly what I was grabbing off the liquor store shelf and adding to my mix-and-match sixer a couple of days ago. I ended up with this Winter Warmer from 21st Amendment and thought I’d better not wait another day,...
by Michael Larson | Flute Glass, Helles Lager, Minnesota, Pilsner Glass, Surly Brewing Company, United States |
Its another day at the cabin. I know, I’m spoiled, but I’m going to take advantage of an impending storm developing over the lake by sipping on a new-to-me Surly brew. As always when passing through Minnesota, I snagged up a four pack of whatever Surly looks good....
by Tom Smillie | Ale Asylum, Goblet, Snifter, Tripel, United States, Wisconsin |
Moving away from from their quad which left me wanting I cracked open their Tripel a few days later. Again, a stellar label design with bright colors and the image of a Phoenix boosted my initial expectations for this beer. Giving some time for the beer to warm a...
by Michael Larson | American IPA, Deschutes Brewery, Mug, Oregon, Pint Glass, United States |
Deschutes description was too eloquent not to use…”Here in Oregon’s high desert, seasonal changes often bring about a peculiar weather phenomenon–an inversion. The higher up the mountain you go, the sunnier it gets, so even when Bend is covered...
by Michael Larson | American Amber / Red Ale, Colorado, Mug, Odell Brewing Company, Pilsner Glass, Pint Glass, United States |
I’ve never had Odell before, but I like them. The bottle is interesting, slightly unique in shape and with glass-embossed leaves, their logo, ringing the body, just before it juts into the neck. The label is made of hearty paper, not shiny and slippery, giving it a...