Best Beers To Celebrate National Beer Day On April 7Th

National Beer Day is celebrated in the United States on April 7 every year, marking the day the Cullen-Harrison Act came into force, reversing the prohibition on selling beer in the country. The day celebrates the entire history of beer and everything it has to offer. People have been drinking beer for thousands of years, and today, only water and tea are more widely consumed than beer. There are several ways to celebrate National Beer Day, including visiting a brewery, drinking beer with friends, and learning how to brew your own beer.

Beer tourism: Visit Munich, Portland, Tokyo and more

National Beer Day is celebrated in the United States on April 7 each year, marking the day the Cullen–Harrison Act came into force, leading to the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment. To celebrate, you could visit some of the world's beer tourism hotspots.

Munich

Munich is known as the world capital of beer. A 3.5-hour beer and brewery tour takes in the history of beer and its importance in social life. The tour includes a visit to the historic Munich Thomasbräu, where the brewery of the eponymous Thomas brothers merged with the Paulaner Brewery in 1928. Homemade beers are still brewed at the Paulaner Bräuhaus today.

Portland

Portland is famous for its craft brewery scene. The Craft Breweries of Portland Walking Tour takes visitors to the hotbed of innovation on the east side of the river. The Weird Portland Pub Tour takes in the city's 'unbelievably weird' people and events, while the Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings is the only tour in Portland that takes you underground.

Tokyo

Tokyo has a thriving bar scene, with many 'izakaya' – casual bars that serve small plates of Japanese food. The Tokyo Local Food and Drink Experience with a Bar Hopping Master takes in the izakaya of the Ueno, Shinbashi or Ikebukuro districts. The Tokyo Hidden Izakaya and Sake Small-Group Pub Tour with Local Guide visits up to three local favourites in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Yotsuya districts.

Beer-making history: Learn about the ancient origins of beer

Beer is one of the oldest human-produced drinks, with evidence of beer production dating back to 7000 BCE. The earliest archaeological evidence of fermentation was found in the Raqefet Cave in the Carmel Mountains near Haifa in northern Israel, where 13,000-year-old residues of a beer with the consistency of gruel were discovered.

The ancient Chinese were brewing a type of beer called "kui" around 7000 BCE. They used barley and other grains to brew beer, as evidenced by residue on pottery from around 5,000 years ago. Beer was also produced in Europe as far back as 5,000 years ago, mainly on a domestic scale.

The written history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia mentions the use of beer. A 3,900-year-old Sumerian poem honouring Ninkasi, the patron goddess of brewing, contains the oldest surviving beer recipe. The poem describes the production of beer from barley bread.

In ancient Mesopotamia, brewing was considered a well-respected occupation, and it was often performed by women. Beer was a daily dietary staple, consumed by both humans and their gods. It was thick, with the consistency of modern-day porridge, and was consumed through a straw to filter out pieces of bread or herbs.

Beer was also an important part of Egyptian culture and religion. The Egyptian goddess of beer was Tenenit, closely associated with Meskhenet, the goddess of childbirth and protector of the birthing house. The most popular beer in Egypt was Heqet, a honey-flavoured brew, and their word for beer was "zytum". Beer was often used as compensation for labour, and workers at the Giza plateau received beer rations three times a day.

Beer was also known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, but it was not as popular as wine, and it was considered a "barbarian" drink. However, the Germans perfected the art of brewing and created what is recognised as beer today.

The process of brewing beer spread throughout Europe, with the Germanic and Celtic tribes playing a significant role. By the 7th century CE, beer was being produced and sold by European monasteries, and during the Industrial Revolution, beer production shifted from artisanal to industrial manufacture.

Today, beer is the world's most widely consumed alcoholic drink, with over 35 billion gallons produced worldwide per year. It comes in various types, flavours, and strengths, ranging from 4% to 7% ABV. National Beer Day, celebrated on April 7, honours the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved beverage.

Beer-drinking health benefits: Beer in moderation is healthier than wine or liquor

National Beer Day is celebrated on 7 April every year in the United States. It commemorates the day the Cullen-Harrison Act came into force in 1933, reversing the prohibition on selling beer in the country.

Beer is the world's most widely consumed alcoholic drink, with people enjoying it for thousands of years. It is also considered healthier than wine or liquor in moderation. Here are some of the health benefits of drinking beer in moderation:

Heart Health

Several studies suggest that drinking one to two standard beers per day for women and men, respectively, may help lower the risk of heart disease. Beer may be as beneficial for heart health as wine, with comparable alcohol levels. However, heavy drinking can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Blood Sugar Control

Light to moderate alcohol intake may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and aid people with diabetes in controlling their blood sugar levels. Several studies have found that moderate alcohol intake can reduce insulin resistance and the overall risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, heavy and binge drinking can counter these benefits and increase the risk of diabetes.

Bone Density

Early research suggests that moderate beer intake may be linked to stronger bones in men and postmenopausal women. However, this benefit sharply drops when consumption exceeds two drinks per day.

Dementia Risk

Light to moderate alcohol intake may lower the risk of dementia. Conversely, heavy drinking can increase the likelihood of developing dementia.

Antioxidants and Micronutrients

Beer contains phenolic compounds, or antioxidants, originating mainly from barley malt and hops. The darker the beer, the more antioxidants it tends to have. Beer also contains some B vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, calcium, thiamine, iron, and zinc, due to its production from cereal grains and yeast. However, it is important to note that the amounts of these micronutrients are small, and whole foods like fruits and vegetables are better sources.

While beer in moderation may offer some health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to harmful effects, including an increased risk of alcohol use disorder, depression, liver disease, weight gain, certain cancers, and reduced life expectancy. Therefore, it is essential to drink in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional to understand the impacts on individual health.

Beer-friendly foods: Pair your beer with the perfect meal

National Beer Day is celebrated on 7 April every year, commemorating the day the Cullen-Harrison Act came into force in 1933, reversing the prohibition on selling beer in the United States. So, what food should you pair with your beer on this day?

When it comes to matching meals with lager, ale, stout, and other beers, there are some guiding principles to keep in mind. Firstly, consider whether you want your food-beer pairing to complement or contrast each other. You could also think about avoiding overpowering flavours or even breaking the rules!

Complementary Pairings

Complementing flavours is one of the simplest ways to make a delicious food and beer pairing. Match rich foods with beers that have a heavy and rich flavour, like stouts or porters. Pair light-tasting salads and fish with light beers, and wheat beers with desserts like fruit tarts.

Contrasting Pairings

Contrasting your beer with your food is a bold statement. Pick out a strong flavour you wish to highlight, as it will get the most spotlight. For example, a fatty seafood dish with a hoppy IPA – the beer will cut through the fat, providing balance to the hops' bitterness.

Avoid Overpowering Flavours

Keep in mind the levels of flavour in your food and beer. Many medium and dark beers have a rich and powerful flavour that can overpower certain types of food. For example, salmon would not pair well with a pint of Guinness, as the flavour of the beer will completely cover the taste of the fish.

Break the Rules

Sometimes, the best way is to throw out the rule book and create something new. You know your palate best, so don't be afraid to get risky or take chances.

• Burgers
• Buffalo wings
• Asian food
• Mexican food
• Spicy food
• Nutty food
• Fried food
• Pizza
• Steaks
• Cheddar, Parmesan, or Romano cheeses
• Gruyère, Emmental, and Swiss cheeses
• Cajun food
• Jerk chicken
• Beef
• Sausage
• Seared foods
• Shellfish
• Light seafood
• Sushi
• Grilled pork and chicken
• Not-too-heavy pasta dishes (without cream or meat sauces)
• Southeast Asian food
• Latin food
• Smoked foods
• Barbecue
• Salty foods
• Oysters
• Rich stews
• Braised dishes
• Chocolate
• Desserts (ideally, the beer is sweeter than the dish)
• Light soups and salads
• Vegetarian dishes
• Gruyère cheese and Feta/goat cheese
• Sweet and fruity Asian dishes
• Citrus-flavoured dishes, including dessert and salad dressings

Beer-based products: Try soaps, shampoos and more

National Beer Day is celebrated in the United States every year on 7 April. It marks the day the Cullen–Harrison Act came into force in 1933, reversing the prohibition on selling beer in the country. Beer has been consumed for thousands of years and is now the world's most widely drunk alcoholic drink.

If you're looking for something a little different to try this National Beer Day, why not explore the world of beer-based products? The beverage's ingredients have benefits for both hair and skin, and a variety of companies have started incorporating beer into their cosmetic formulas.

For hair, the yeast, barley, and hops in beer contain protein and B vitamins that add fullness and shine. For example, the Cynthia Sylvia Stout Shampoo by Lush is designed to give frizzy hair weight, smoothness, and gloss. Duffy's Brew E.S.B Craft Beer Shampoo and Conditioner also add volume and shine, while Broo Craft & Caff Conditioners are free of parabens and sulfates and use barley protein to relax and volumize hair.

When it comes to skincare, beer's ingredients can create a barrier that locks in moisture. Whiskey Ink & Lace Coffee and Stout Lotion combines stout beer with organic coffee, harnessing their antioxidants to offer anti-aging benefits and daily protection for the skin. The Carlsberg Beer Beauty Range, with its rich punch of Vitamin B and silicium, also promises beautifying properties for the skin.

So, this National Beer Day, why not raise a glass to beer and try out some beer-based products? Whether it's shampoo, conditioner, or lotion, you can explore a whole new world of beer-infused cosmetics and experience the benefits of this ancient beverage in a whole new way.

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