National Beer Day

Greetings, beer enthusiasts! Relax, crack open a cold one and join us as we travel through time, tracing the foamy trail of National Beer Day - the hoppiest day of the year!

When is Beer Day?

It's national beer day on the 7th April.

A Brew-tiful Origin

For beer lovers, every day might feel like National Beer Day, but officially, this day of sudsy celebration has its special date. April 7 is the D-day, or rather B-day, for beer fanatics around the globe. Not surprising, considering that April 7, 1933, was when legal beer sales resumed in the U.S., post-prohibition era. Back then, 'small beer' with an alcohol content of less than 3.2% was permitted, (unlike now when there's 'no size fits all' in the world of beers).

Internet's Love for the Lager

Our online mention detectors reported a whopping 225,726 mentions for National Beer Day! The Internet gave a mammoth 'Cheers!' to the event on April 7, 2015, with the most mentions recorded. The hashtag #BeerDay has become a trending tag, as people across the world lift their pint glasses in virtual unison.

How it's Celebrated

Beer enthusiasts celebrate National Beer Day with fervor, visiting pubs, organizing home parties, or even by being adventurous with beer-based recipes. Divulging beer trivia, swapping beery stories and debating the merits of lager vs. ale are inevitable elements of the celebration.

Spreading the Love for Beer

Beer lovers don't let the day go by without extending their passion to others. It's an opportunity to introduce loved ones to the delight of craft beers or the history of traditional brews. After all, what's beer if not shared?

History behind the term 'Beer'

5000 BC

Ancient Origins

Beer has a long and ancient history, dating back to around 5000 BC. The earliest evidence of beer production comes from Mesopotamia, in what is now Iraq. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Sumerians were brewing beer as a dietary staple as early as the 4th millennium BC. They even had a goddess of beer, Ninkasi, who was worshiped for her ability to produce this beloved beverage.

3900 BC

Beer Recipes

In 3900 BC, a Sumerian poem called the "Hymn to Ninkasi" was written, which included a recipe for beer production. This hymn serves as both a historical record of beer-making techniques and a hymn of praise to the goddess Ninkasi. It exemplifies the importance of beer in ancient Mesopotamian society and the skill that went into its production.

1000 BC

Beer in Ancient Egypt

Beer played a significant role in ancient Egyptian society, particularly during the New Kingdom period (1550-1070 BC). It was consumed by both adults and children and was even used as a form of currency. The Egyptians had their own goddess of beer, Tenenit, who was often depicted carrying a beer jug. They believed that beer was a gift from the gods and an essential part of their daily lives.

1516 AD

Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law)

In 1516, the Reinheitsgebot, also known as the Beer Purity Law, was enacted in the Duchy of Bavaria in Germany. This law permitted the brewing of beer using only three ingredients: water, barley, and hops. It was one of the oldest food purity laws in existence and aimed to regulate the quality of beer. The Reinheitsgebot had a lasting impact on the brewing industry and influenced brewing practices worldwide.

1857 AD

Louis Pasteur and Beer Microbiology

In 1857, renowned scientist Louis Pasteur discovered the role of microorganisms in beer spoilage. He demonstrated that yeast is responsible for fermentation and that other microorganisms can contaminate the brewing process, affecting the quality and taste of beer. Pasteur's findings revolutionized brewing techniques and led to significant improvements in beer production and quality control.

1920 AD

Prohibition in the United States

From 1920 to 1933, Prohibition in the United States banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, including beer. This period had a profound impact on the beer industry, as many breweries shut down or turned to producing non-alcoholic beverages. After the repeal of Prohibition, the beer industry experienced a resurgence, with new breweries emerging and iconic beer brands being established.

Today

Craft Beer Revolution

In recent years, we have witnessed a craft beer revolution, with an explosion of small, independent breweries around the world. Craft beer enthusiasts seek out unique flavors, traditional brewing methods, and locally-sourced ingredients. The craft beer movement celebrates beer as an artisanal product and emphasizes quality, diversity, and creativity. Today, beer has truly become a global phenomenon, enjoyed by people of different cultures and backgrounds.