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The Fourth of July is America’s birthday. And there’s no better way to celebrate a birthday than with a party. A proper Fourth of July party has burgers, ribs, hot dogs, pasta salads, cookies, cakes, and various drinks. The most important drink (obviously) is beer. But in a crowded beer market, how do you pick the best beer for Independence Day consumption? It should (but doesn’t have to) have some sort U.S. or historical event reference. Or, it can just be an easy-drinking, tasty, summery brew. Either way, here’s a list of some of the best patriotic beers to imbibe on our nation’s birthday.
Brew Free! Or Die IPA (21st Amendment)
This 7% ABV IPA is made using three different hops including: Cascade and Centennial. Like some IPAs, this patriotic potion isn’t overly bitter. The hop presence is complemented perfectly by Two-Row Pale, Munich, and Light Crystal Malts. This badass brew perfectly sums up America with attitude and patriotism.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager (Boston Beer Company)
Samuel Adams, born in Boston in 1722, was a political philosopher, a statesman, and one of the Founding Fathers of the USA. This beer was created to pay homage to one of the most important men in Boston’s history (he even attended Harvard). The Boston Brewing Company’s flagship beer, Boston Lager, is an easy-to-drink 5% ABV and is rich and smooth with Samuel Adams Two-Row Pale Malt Blend and Caramel 60 malts as well as Hallertau Mittelfreuh and Tettang Tettnager Noble Hops.
Ale to the Chief (Avery)
If you can get your hands on a bottle of this 8.1% ABV “presidential” pale ale, you’ll be enjoying a beer that is only brewed every four years. The first brewing took place on January 20, 2009, and was made in honor of then-president Barack Obama. It was so popular that they decided to brew a second batch of this dry hopped brew in 2012.
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Yuengling Traditional Lager
Opened in 1829, D.G. Yuengling & Son is the oldest brewery in America. The Traditional Lager is just that, one of the most traditional lagers you’ll likely find in the country. Technically a session beer at 4.5% ABV, the beer is rich and sweet with roasted caramel malt as well as Cluster and Cascade hops.
Budweiser
Some might smirk when seeing the addition of Budweiser on this list as usually we mention craft beers, but Budweiser is called “The King of Beers” for a reason. It’s the most iconic, American beer ever created. Plus, it might as well be wrapped in the American flag since it comes in a red, white and blue can. Bonus points if you buy the special American flag can.
Liberty Ale (Anchor)
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable American landmarks. Anchor’s Liberty Ale is one of the most patriotic. First brewed to celebrate the bicentennial of the famous ride of Paul Revere, Liberty Ale is available year round and contains only natural ingredients, including: pale malted barely, whole cone Cascade hops, top-fermenting yeast, and water.
