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 | Anchor Brewing Company, Beer Reviews, California, Mug, Pint Glass, Porter, Spiced / Herbed / Vegetable Beers, United States, Winter Ale / Warmer |
Brewed since 1975 this seasonal Christmas ale (aka Our Special Ale) has become a tradition in and of itself. The more I’ve learned about this beer, the more I want to add it to my holiday traditions. There are a few interesting facts surrounding this beer that...
by Tom Smillie | American Strong Ale, Beer Reviews, Belgian Golden Strong Ale, California, Mug, North Coast Brewing Company, Pint Glass, Snifter, Spirit-Aged Beers, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass |
A Grand Cru to end all. This beer is huge across the board. The ABV is pushing 13%, Agave Nectar is incorporated into the brew, and it is aged in Bourbon barrels to maturation. Or should I say perfection? I sincerely thought I was in for a dark maroon colored ale...
by Tom Smillie | Adjunct Lager, Pilsner Glass, Pint Glass, Stroh's Brewery, United States, Wisconsin |
Despite having a long history with German roots, this beer is just like every other standard Macro adjunct lager in the market. Formerly located in Detroit, Michigan it become one of American’s well known lager beers. While the “brewing tradition”...
by Tom Smillie | Beer Reviews, California, North Coast Brewing Company, Old Ale, Pint Glass, Snifter, United States, Wine Glass |
To be quite honest, I have not sat down to a NCBC beer in a long time. I have a few Barrel Aged Old Raspy’s chillin’ in my basement and I’ve been meaning to pick up the 2009 aged Old Stock Ale, but have not pulled the trigger. Found this bottle...
by Tom Smillie | Beer Reviews, California, Pint Glass, Port Brewing Company, Russian Imperial Stout, Snifter, United States |
With the Fall months almost behind us I thought it was time to bust out a fairly aged bottle of Santa’s Little Helper in preparation for Winter. Last weekend I cut the lawn for the last time this year and started putting up plastic over the windows to seal help...
by Tom Smillie | American Pilsner, Avery Brewing Company, Beer Reviews, Colorado, Flute Glass, German Pilsener, Mug, Pilsner Glass, United States |
In the past years I would have momentarily glanced at the Avery beers on shelves at liquor stores and walked on by. Reflecting back on that a few months ago I realized it was due to a simple factor. The labeling. Their old labels seems out of date making me think...