Remember, remember the fifth of December, the day the drink came back again.
Prohibition left us with a gangster culture that degraded into cinematic nonsense like Malibu’s Most Wanted and the existential bane that is NASCAR. Proof enough that forcing a nation to go without beer for the better part of 14 years was just a shame. However, on December 5th, 1933, we as a people woke up and said “The Great Depression wouldn’t be nearly so bad if I could just have a nice beer once in a while.”
Though these last seventy five years have been trying (Zima…), they have also shaken up the American Brewing Establishment. In the last year, all of the Big Three Beer Makers have finally been purchased out – Miller by the South African SABMiller Corporation, Coors by Molson Canada, and Anheuser Busch by the Belgian InBev – leaving the great mantel of the American brewing tradition to rest on the shoulders of our nations microbrewers.
The label tells you that you're not worthy
And they have done a wonderful job of it. So, today, this wonderful Reclamation Day, I would like to think the fine folks at the following breweries:
Lancaster Brewing Company – Sent there on an assignment by Fly Magazine, I interviewed brewmaster Christian and began my descent into becoming a true hop head. Christian loved beer like I loved music, and that passion pushed me beyond the boundries of bad mass produced nonsense and into the loving arms of a Hop Hog.
Legacy Brewery – Your Hedonism Red Ale, with its 110 IBUs has proven to be one of the most bitter beers on the market, and one of my favorites. Your Hoptimus Prime Double IPA has survived as a means to taunt, as I never seem to be anywhere serving it.
Bells – Ah, Bell’s Beer. When I first tried Two Hearted, I informed the bartender that if he kept this beer on tap, I would change my address and start paying the bar rent. The mixture of citrus and hops is fantastic. And I should be remiss if I overlook Hop Slam. Many a night have been lost to this wonderful goodness.
Flying Dog – Though your Gonzo Porter often seems to be the beer of choice, your Doggie Style Pale Ale is one of my favorite drinking beers. I am certainly looking forward to getting to know your Snake Dog India Pale Ale – though I worry for the future when I find it.
Stone – You named a beer after me! Arrogant Bastard, you were one of the first beers that dared me to drink you. You through down the gauntlet with your full taste and pulled no punches. And my love has extended beyond, to Vertical Epic, Ruination, and your traditional IPA. Your passion for the 22oz bottle is a mark that other brewers should so reach for.
And Magic Hat. Good, reliable, Magic Hat. Thanks to your many variety packs, you have taught me that there is such thing as a good Hefewiezen, that experimenting with something like Jinx is an experience that not only will I find pleasant, but downright enjoyable. And #9, the “Not Quite Pale Ale” – a staple of mine, and perhaps the microbrews’ best shot at becoming the next great, mainstream American Beer.
Of course, repealing prohibition means that beer can be found a great many places. And none stand out more than the home brews of my good friend, Jim Safley. His beers are a concoction that challenges and dares the drinker. His choice to use wormwood as a bittering agent, and to pair that with dandelions made for a drink like nothing I’d ever had before.
So, have a wonderful Reclamation Day, and think when you’re raising your glass tonight, that what’s in your hand is indeed something special. As long as it doesn’t have a Light in the title.
