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 Taylor Birkey | Cascadian Dark Ale / Black IPA, Massachusetts, Mercury Brewing Company, Mug, Pint Glass, United States |
Clown Shoes is currently a brand (not a brewery) that is brewed by Mercury Brewing Company in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It is known for its bold and controversial beer labels. Since it’s now distributed in the Chicagoland area, I got my hands on their Black IPA,...
by John | Bell's Brewery, Michigan, Pint Glass, Russian Imperial Stout, Snifter, United States |
I was driving through St. Paul yesterday and found myself following a Bell’s delivery truck. For the first time in my life I wanted to hijack a truck! Rather than risk incarceration I went home and broke out a bottle of Bell’s Expedition Stout that I had...
by Team | English Barley Wine, Maine, Pint Glass, Shipyard Brewing Company, Snifter, United States, Wine Glass |
Michael: Pulgsley has been pretty good to me. Between his more than decent porter and a delightful pumpkin ale, Shipyard’s brewmaster has gained a pretty solid reputation in my book. So when I happened upon this bottle in the quaint town of Galena, Illinois, I...
by Taylor Birkey | Green Mountain Beverage, Hard Cider, Mug, Pint Glass, United States, Vermont |
Sometimes I take a break from reviewing craft beer and take a quick gander into the land of the cider. Without diminishing the excellence of craft beer, I believe that I can vouch for cider as a valid companion to beer. I first became interested in cider on a trip to...
by Tom Smillie | Colorado, Flute Glass, German Pilsener, Mug, Oskar Blues Brewery, Pilsner Glass, United States |
It is seldom that you come across a good Pilsner in a can. Let’s face it; most of them are mediocre macro-made brews not deserving of a pint glass pour. Thanks to Discount Liquors in Milwaukee I was able to get my hands on some Oskar Blues (their entire line-up to be...
by Tom Smillie | Berliner Weisse, Delaware, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Fruit Beers, Goblet, Pint Glass, United States |
My third Berliner Weisse in the last few months comes in the form of Dogfish Head’s Festina Peche. While I was excited to sample another variation of this style, I was not sure how the addition of peach concentrate would complement the already enjoyable qualities of...