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 Michael Larson | American / Robust Porter, Emmett's Brewing Company, Illinois, Mug, Pint Glass, United States |
First off, I’m not a huge porter fan. That was, until this porter hit my unsuspecting tongue. In general, porters are a bit weak for me, I like big, smooth and robust and typically the porter just doesn’t hit those notes for me. This one, however, is a whole different...
by Team | Colorado, Left Hand Brewing Company, Pint Glass, Russian Imperial Stout, Snifter, United States |
Michael: Recently, I’ve been swept up in the tide of beer lovers seeking anything ‘barrel-aged.’ Admittedly, I was suckered into this one when my beer-of-the-week email from my local liquor store. Coming straight out of the 22 ounce bottle into my snifter, it seemed,...
by Team | Bell's Brewery, Imperial / Double IPA, Michigan, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass |
Taylor: Hard to believe it’s been over a year and we still haven’t reviewed this beer. It’s Bell’s Hopslam Ale … one of the Midwest’s über-hopped brews, “a biting, bitter, tongue bruiser of an ale.” Granted, this is a...
by Michael Larson | Märzen / Oktoberfest, Mug, New Glarus Brewing Company, Pint Glass, United States, Wisconsin |
With just a slight dusting of snow on the ground, a fire crackling in the fireplace and a Sunday afternoon full of NFL football, it felt more like the middle of October than January. Picking up a create-your-own six pack on my way back from Minnesota a few weeks ago,...
by John | Imperial / Double IPA, Michigan, New Holland Brewing Company, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass |
It poured amber. Nice amber if you know what I mean. Clear, fresh, inviting. Good lacing on a white head but it was the aroma that drew me in. Hops. Lots of hops. Grapefruit to the max. This rivals my favorite beer. I love dark beers that say “relax” and I...
by Michael Larson | Capital Brewery, Dunkel Lager, Flute Glass, Pilsner Glass, United States, Wisconsin |
After a B+ pilsner just a bit ago, I was anxious to use the few moments when my daughter was napping to further explore the world of Capital Brewery. On my fifth venture into the brewery’s fine concoctions, I decided to dabble in the dunkel. Titled as dark lager, I...