Microbrews, free markets and consumer choice…. Like we weren’t going to run this Reason.tv spot on the craft beer phenomena in this country.
Our ancestors brought their brewing techniques and traditions with them from Europe so that virtually any town or city of decent size had its own brewery, particularly in the Rust Belt and Midwest. Prohibition and the World Wars (diverted grain production for “food only”) wiped out this town brewery tradition in the U.S. but in 1979, a clerical error in the 21st amendment which ended Prohibition, was corrected and for the first time in a half-century it became legal to brew small batches of beer in your home.
Once derided for its fizzy yellow water, the U.S. is now a craft beer juggernaut, producing more styles of beer than anywhere else in the world and dominating international beer competitions.
This is an object lesson to the power of creativity and innovation that this great country possesses and which will always be unleashed with positive results for all if given the opportunity.
Several fine California breweries including Lagunitas (they brew a very good Czech-style Pilsner), Russian River (home of the insanely excellent Pliny the Elder IPA), Bear Republic of Racer 5 IPA fame and Stone Brewing Company in Escondido all get some air time in this video clip below.
Click here, if embed not working.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The other American Revolution
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1 comment:
I loved the "chili" reference. Beer "craftsmen" says it all. Pop makes beautiful chili, Mrs. Dawg has enhanced the recipe. ABoV makes beutiful chili. Hormel just... makes... chili... you put in on the dogs in a pinch, not bad, but just chili.
Tequilla has also come a long way, but that story is for a different day, eh what Dean?
So here's to beer!
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