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 Tom Smillie | American / Robust Porter, Anchor Brewing Company, Beer Reviews, California, Mug, Pint Glass, Porter, United States |
In the midst of sampling their Christmas Ale (’99-’11 vertical) I took a break to indulge on this wonderfully crafted dark ale. I’ve had this beer before, but it has been a few years since. I wanted to revisit it for a few reasons: 1) it is good...
by John | American IPA, Minnesota, Mug, Pint Glass, Steel Toe Brewing, United States |
You are going to get more than you bargained for in this review. Why? Because I’m going to tell you about an incredible craft beer store first. This has got to be a destination store for you. Come to Minneapolis/St. Paul or at least plan to spend an extra couple...
by Tom Smillie | Anchor Brewing Company, Beer Reviews, California, Mug, Pint Glass, Spiced / Herbed / Vegetable Beers, United States, Winter Ale / Warmer |
Tree: Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak) I found the latin name rather humorous. “Agrifolia” sounds close to agriphobia. Not sure what would happen if a tree had a fear of farming? I digress. Another stout-like brew for this year’s batch. It...
by Tom Smillie | Anchor Brewing Company, Beer Reviews, California, Mug, Pint Glass, Spiced / Herbed / Vegetable Beers, United States, Winter Ale / Warmer |
Tree: Populus fremontii (Fremont/Alamo Cottonwood) Picking up where I left of yesterday, I found myself pouring vintage 2002. The contents of the bottle was much darker this time around and the head much more dense than before. Looking through the glass into some...
by Tom Smillie | Anchor Brewing Company, Beer Reviews, California, Mug, Pint Glass, Porter, Spiced / Herbed / Vegetable Beers, United States, Winter Ale / Warmer |
Tree: Washingtonia filifera (California/Desert/Arizona Fan Palm) Pouring a deeper ruby reddish color it looked more like a Scottish style ale mixed with a Porter. The head plumed rather fast and formed a tight knit beige barrier. When it came to the aroma, this...
by Tom Smillie | Anchor Brewing Company, Beer Reviews, California, Mug, Pint Glass, Porter, Spiced / Herbed / Vegetable Beers, United States, Winter Ale / Warmer |
Tree: Torreya californica (California Torreya or Nutmeg) The start of a new decade. I wonder what they added to the brew to make this beer that much more special. In any case, it poured very similar to the year prior with a deep brown color. One could argue that...