April 7th is a day that beer enthusiasts across the United States raise their glasses in celebration. It’s National Beer Day, a time to honor the rich history, diverse culture, and sheer joy that this beloved beverage brings to our lives.
The Origins of National Beer Day
Let’s step back in time to the Prohibition era. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution banned “intoxicating liquors,” but it didn’t precisely define what that meant. Enter the Volstead Act, which clarified that any beverage containing more than 0.5% alcohol was considered intoxicating.
Fast forward to 1933. The Cullen-Harrison Act amended the law, allowing the production of mild beer. This beer could contain up to 3.2% alcohol by weight (or 4.05% by volume). President Franklin D. Roosevelt, upon signing the legislation, famously quipped, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.” And so it was.
On April 7, 1933, the Cullen-Harrison Act took effect in states that had their own laws permitting beer sales. People gathered outside breweries, some even starting the celebration on the night of April 6. That first day saw an astonishing 1.5 million barrels of beer consumed, setting the stage for future festivities.
The End of Prohibition
While the Cullen-Harrison Act wasn’t the official end of Prohibition (that honor goes to the 21st Amendment, ratified on December 5, 1933), it marked a significant milestone. April 7 became a beer-specific holiday, distinct from Repeal Day celebrated later in the year.
National Beer Day Today
In 2009, Justin Smith of Richmond, Virginia, initiated the first National Beer Day. His efforts, amplified by social media, caught the attention of beer enthusiasts everywhere. The beer-drinking app Untapped even created a badge for National Beer Day, rewarding participants who checked in a beer on April 7.
Since then, National Beer Day trends annually on social media, with the hashtag #NationalBeerDay uniting beer lovers across the digital landscape. In 2017, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe officially recognized the day, and Congressman Dave Brat followed suit by acknowledging it in the Congressional Record.
Raise Your Glass
So, whether you prefer a hoppy IPA, a smooth stout, or a refreshing lager, take a moment on April 7 to raise your glass to the brewers, the history-makers, and the simple pleasure of sharing a cold one with friends. Cheers to National Beer Day! 🍺