What’s National Beer Day, you ask?

National Beer Day is what we like to call an “unofficial” holiday. Sure, it isn’t acknowledged on any federal calendar, but that doesn’t make it any less legitimate. Look at some of the other “holidays” that share the same month. April Fools’ Day? Not an official holiday, but who doesn’t love pulling a harmless prank or two? We sure do love it here at The Maine Edge. And what about Earth Day? Again, not official, but who would argue against its importance and/or legitimacy?

So it is with National Beer Day (and New Beer’s Eve, of course). Is it silly? Of course it is. Still, there’s something to be said for a day set aside to celebrate something that so many of us enjoy. Beer is a part of our national consciousness in a way that few other consumables are.

Think about the huge variety of beer you see when you go to the grocery store. Or when you dream of returning to visit your favorite local watering hole. Think about the utter ubiquity of beer commercials on our television airwaves. Think about the rapidly-growing and wildly popular contingent of small craft breweries offering their own unique takes on the classic beverage. Think about the multitude of homebrewers making their own beers in their own homes – a throwback to those Prohibition days, only without the fear of reprisal and with the assistance of dedicated outlets such as Bangor’s own Central Street Farmhouse (which, in all seriousness, is a TREMENDOUS resource for anyone interested in this kind of thing).

Beer has become an American institution. So why not set aside a day to celebrate? Tip back a tall cold one on April 7, my friends. Heck, if I had my druthers, I’d make it a whole week, because really, is a single day enough? Regardless, let’s make it a point to stroll into our favorite local tap room/tavern and order up something sudsy. I know that I am looking forward to it very much.

As for why it is April 7? Glad you asked!

Prohibition’s End and the First Beer Day

The Prohibition era in the United States began in 1920 when the 18th Amendment to the Constitution was effected, outlawing the sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol on a national level. The National Prohibition Act, passed in 1919 and popularly known as the Volstead Act, established the legal definition of intoxicating liquor and the assorted punishments for producing or selling it.

The Volstead Act proved exceedingly difficult to enforce, which led to a wildly popular underground economy, filled with bootleggers, rumrunners and speakeasy clubs. In many ways, Prohibition gave birth to the “organized crime” that remains with us to this day.

Prohibition soon lost what little true support it did have, with events like the Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929 serving as harsh reminders that like it or not, people were going to find ways to drink. Add to that the Great Depression, when people clearly needed something to take their minds off the dismal state of the nation, and Prohibition’s days were clearly numbered.

And so, on March 22, 1933, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law an amendment to the Volstead Act known as the Cullen-Harrison Act. Cullen-Harrison legalized the sale of beers and wines with a sufficiently low alcohol content (3.2 percent or below by weight), effective when?

You guessed it - April 7.

People were once again allowed to legally buy beer. There were lines outside taverns and breweries all over the country as people swarmed for the opportunity to legally buy a beer for the first time in well over a decade. Of course, in December of that same year, the 21st Amendment was ratified, hence repealing the 18th Amendment and effectively bringing the Prohibition era to an end.

The cool, crisp, adult beverage-y taste of freedom. That’s what we’re celebrating. Happy National Beer Day, folks. Drink one for me.

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IP-Yay!

So I’m an IPA guy. I love the hoppy goodness. I love the dry ones and the juicy ones and the in-between ones. East Coast, West Coast, New England – give them all to me!

I thought it might be a fun addition to this year’s celebration of National Beer Day for me to offer up a few of my local favorites in the IPA department. Please note that these aren’t all of them, by any stretch of the imagination – there are far more good IPAs coming from Bangor-area breweries than I have room for in this space.

That said, if you’re looking for a recommendation to wet your whistle, here are some of my favorites – seven in all, in honor of April 7 – listed in no particular order.

Tubular – Orono Brewing Company

Honestly, there are half-a-dozen that I could offer up from OBC, but let’s go with the one that has become a flagship of sorts.

King’s Pine – Geaghan Bros. Brewing

These folks have been trying some fun stuff recently, but there’s something about this one that keeps me coming back for more.

Pulp Truck – Marsh Island Brewing

I dig this one in a major way. It’s just the right amount of hazy for me, with a lovely flavor punch that hits all the right notes.

Next Goal Wins – Black Bear Brewing

There are some good ones that come out of Black Bear, but I’ll confess that whenever NGW is on the draft list, that’s the one I grab.

Hipster Apocalypse – Mason’s Brewing Company

A flagship offering, this one has been spun off into a number of delicious varieties, but at the end of the day, I’m going with the OG.

Catchphrase – Bangor Beer Company

BBC is another outfit that has multiple excellent IPA offerings, but this one gives me just the right combo of juiciness and hoppiness.

Unfortunate IPA – 2 Feet Brewing

While 2 Feet tends to focus on other types of brews, they’re no slouch when it comes to IPAs – this beer is just one example of that fact.

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An Ode to Beer (For National Beer Day)

I do believe that I shall never find

A beverage that tastes so very right

As you, sweet beer, and all those of your kind;

Your foamy head is a creamy delight.

Your colors excite, be they dark or pale;

There is beauty in your condensation

And delicious crispness within your scent.

I take great pleasure in every detail

Of this truly inspiring creation,

With nary an instant of discontent.

You've never failed to satisfy me, beer;

An affection you have never betrayed.

That love began in my 21st year

And continues still to this very day.

Your refreshing nature is coy and cool;

With always that chance that you might surprise,

You’re ever-informed with elan and joy.

Men who deny you are nothing but fools

To say no to you, so tasty a prize,

Your flavors that we embrace and enjoy.

Countless varieties tickle my tongue,

From lagers to ales to stouts and beyond.

In pubs near and far, your praises are sung;

Hymns to those flavors of which we are fond.

Maine Beer Co is great! So too is Lone Pine!

To Geaghans, Black Bear and 2 Feet as well!

OGs Sea Dog and Shipyard and Geary’s!

To Marsh Island, OBC and Airline!

We love Rising Tide, Mast Landing is swell!

Mason’s! Sebago! An ongoing series!

I love that I find you most everywhere;

Your presence is indeed ubiquitous.

Your amber wonder an answered prayer,

Your attitude never duplicitous.

Of course, I strive not to drink to excess;

Responsibly is how I enjoy you,

For too much of you is simply no fun.

For National Beer Day, I must express

Love for your many forms, both old and new -

But my favorite beer is the next one.