Beer in America is an important element of the consumer basket. This product is produced by more than 3000 breweries: from home micro-productions to the largest alcohol concerns. The US ranks 15th in the world in terms of beer consumption per capita, while in terms of total beer sales, the country is second only to China.
In 1919, the 19th Amendment came into effect, which banned the sale of alcohol in the United States (the famous Prohibition), as a result of which many old breweries closed or retrained to produce soft drinks. After the Amendment was repealed, the American beer industry did not immediately get on its feet: small productions never recovered from the blow, large ones were concentrated in the hands of international corporations (in particular, Anheuser-Busch InBev, SABMiller, etc.). However, at the end of the XNUMXth century, the situation changed a little: local craft breweries began to open, pubs with their own production appeared.
The most popular style of bulk American beer is lager, specifically American lager (a subspecies of lager). Craft brewers produce a wide range of styles: amber ale, cream ale, IPA, American double, even steam beer (better known as California Common) and more. consumers, so here the beer can be literally anything.
History
The American Indians brewed a beer-like drink long before the arrival of the settlers, but they used not barley for this, but maize (corn), birch sap, and water. According to surviving records, white “guests” began making beer in 1587, and the first commercial brewery opened in 1632. In those days, the focus was mainly on English and Dutch technologies and styles, until the middle of the XNUMXth century, British ales dominated the local market. That all changed when German immigrants brought the lager, and it turned out that the new type was very popular, and it was also easier to store and transport. The hops acted as a preservative, while the “hopless” ales sour quickly.
The first truly unique “autochthonous” beer in the United States is “steam beer”, which appeared in San Francisco in the 1876th century. This is a kind of hybrid of lager and ale of increased carbonation, it is distinguished by a rich malt bouquet, notes of roasted grain, caramel. However, the real “face” of American brewing is the Budweiser brand, which appeared in XNUMX. This is a real national beer, one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
As mentioned above, the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1919 made it illegal to manufacture, sell and drink alcohol in the United States. Beer brewing was greatly shaken: firstly, because most of the production facilities were closed, and secondly, if people risked breaking the law, then for the sake of smuggled rum or whiskey, but not for the sake of a weak intoxicating drink.
After the abolition of Prohibition, universal and inexpensive varieties focused on average tastes – in particular, came to the fore. Pilsner. Because of this, by the end of the 1970s, American beer had the reputation of being “tasteless” and “nothing”. At the end of the XNUMXth century, craft breweries began to appear, the first being the New Albion Brewing Company.
Today, beer accounts for 85% of all alcoholic beverages sold in the US. The most famous brands of American beer: Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light. Of the imported varieties, Corona Extra and Heineken should be mentioned.
American beer styles
List of popular styles of American beer:
- “Steam beer” (Steam Beer, it is also – “California ordinary”). Historical style, 4.5-5.5% abv, top-fermented lager, fruity, malty bouquet.
- Kentucky common (Kentucky Common). Ale, popular in the 1850s-1910s (before Prohibition). Full-bodied, sweetish beer, delivered to the shelves immediately after brewing.
- Amber Ale. It is made on the basis of amber malt, it is distinguished by a red-copper color.
- Light ale (Blonde Ale). Very light, top-fermented beer, usually dry, with pronounced hop bitterness.
- Cream Ale. 4.2-5.6% ABV, refers to pale lagers, hop-malt balance can be anything depending on the manufacturer.
- American lager. The pale lager, which came to the United States from the Czech Republic, is moderately hopped, sometimes made with the addition of corn or rice.
- American Pale Ale. 4.5-6.2% ABV, made with American hops. Similar in characteristics to an IPA.
- American Wild Ale. In the manufacture, additional Brettanomyces yeast is used, as a result, the drink acquires a slightly fruity taste. Similar to Belgian lambic.
- Pumpkin Ale. It is made on the basis of malt with the addition of pumpkin pulp.
Features of American beer culture
Unlike England, in the USA beer consumption is not one of the main national traits: there are neither pubs with their own culture and unwritten laws, nor autochthonous beer styles that conquered the world, like the same stout. Modern America is a country of craft beer. Wherever you are, within a kilometer there is sure to be a mini-production offering original varieties.
The same applies to the rules of behavior in bars or the most preferred varieties: it all depends on the state, city and even area.