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 Wheat Ale, Lakefront Brewery, Mug, Pint Glass, United States, Weizen Glass, Wisconsin |
It’s 80 degrees, sunny and the birds are indeed chirping outside my window. My palate has changed with the season and instead of craving the complexities found in a dark, velvety stout, I seem to be drawn to the wheats and light lagers in my local store’s beer...
by John | American Amber / Red Ale, American IPA, California, Hoppy Brewing Company, Mug, Pilsner Glass, Pint Glass, United States |
Beer Festivals are great. You ought to go at least once in your life. It was a 90+ degree day in St. Paul so by the time I got to the display booth for Hoppy Brewery I was really in the mood for a hoppy beer. I had tried stouts, pilsners, blondes, porters and a number...
by John | Breckenridge Brewery, Colorado, Mug, Oatmeal Stout, Pint Glass, United States |
I was visiting a Binny’s in Chicagoland when I asked “the beer man” what was a great stout. He pointed me to Breckenridge Oatmeal. One of my first experiences with a stout was to get an oatmeal stout so I was ready for a very smooth drink. Good...
by Noel | American Amber / Red Ale, Bell's Brewery, Michigan, Mug, Pilsner Glass, Pint Glass, United States |
At first, I didn’t think much of this beer. Simple bottle design notwithstanding, it just didn’t blow me away when I popped the cap and poured it out. A nice amber color (go figure) and decent head. Hints of bread and caramel wafting in your nose…almost akin to a...
by Michael Larson | Goose Island Beer Company, Illinois, Kölsch, Stange, United States |
It’s 92º in Chicago, which means the humidity is about 80% and the air as heavy as a Guinness. To take a bit of the edge of the brutal summer day, I’ve poured myself Goose Island’s seasonal refresher, Summertime. With a name like that, it just begs to be picked...
by Tom Smillie | American Pale Ale (APA), Illinois, Mug, Pint Glass, Rock Bottom Brewery, United States |
If you visit the Rock Bottom of Lombard you’ll notice that the Pale Ale is a beer of choice for both regulars and guests alike. This beer is readily on tap as it holds a key spot in their daily line up. I frequented there a couple days ago and thought I should write...