Prohibition Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy It

During the Prohibition era, lasting from 1920 to 1933, the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages were prohibited in the United States. This presented a significant challenge to breweries and distilleries, forcing them to adapt their operations or risk shutting down. Some companies, such as Anheuser-Busch, Coors, and Pabst, managed to survive by diversifying their product offerings and investing in non-alcoholic beverages. Today, there are several breweries and beer brands that have emerged from or continued to operate during Prohibition, including Budweiser, Prohibition Brewing Company, and MillerCoors. These companies offer a range of beer options, from non-alcoholic brews to craft beers, which can be found in various locations across the United States.

Prohibition-themed beers

The Prohibition era in the United States, lasting from 1920 to 1933, witnessed a ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. This presented a significant challenge to the brewing industry, forcing companies to adapt and innovate to stay afloat. Some brewers, such as Anheuser-Busch, Coors, Miller, Pabst, and Yuengling, managed to survive by diversifying their product offerings and investing in non-alcoholic alternatives.

During Prohibition, Anheuser-Busch, the brewer of Budweiser, demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by developing a non-alcoholic beer called Bevo, which was marketed as a soft drink. They also expanded their portfolio to include frozen eggs, carbonated coffee and tea, and even vehicles. Anheuser-Busch continues to commemorate the era with its Budweiser Prohibition Brew, a non-alcoholic beer crafted with the same choice hops and yeast as its traditional counterpart.

Coors, another iconic brewing company, navigated Prohibition by becoming the world's largest supplier of malted milk, catering to soda fountains and candy companies. Additionally, they invested in a ceramics and pottery business, now known as CoorsTek, which has evolved into the largest engineered ceramics manufacturer worldwide.

Pabst Brewing Company, known for its Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, survived Prohibition by selling malt syrup and purchasing a soft drink company. They also diversified into the food industry by producing a processed cheese spread called Pabst-ett, which was later sold to Kraft.

Miller Brewing Company, based in Milwaukee, barely survived Prohibition by producing a near beer called Vivo, along with soft drinks, malted milk, and malt syrup. Their survival was largely attributed to their real estate holdings and investment income.

In addition to these well-known brewers, numerous craft breweries and beer-themed establishments have embraced the Prohibition theme. For instance, the Prohibition Brewing Company in Vista, California, offers a diverse selection of finely crafted beers, including the Prohibition Harvest Pumpkin, a spiced beer, and the Prohibition Pig Swine Cooler Watermelon, a hard seltzer. They operate as a full restaurant and brewery, providing a unique dining and drinking experience.

Prohibition Brewing Company locations

Prohibition Brewing Company is a full restaurant and brewery located in Vista, California, in the North end of North San Diego County. It was started by Ron and Kathy in a place called "The Barn", where they served quality crafted beers to an ever-increasing group of good friends, family, and people from the local neighborhoods. The restaurant offers mouthwatering wings, rich and flavorful chicken tortilla soup, expertly crafted burgers, and sandwiches. The brewery boasts a diverse selection of finely crafted beers, each thoughtfully designed to complement the flavorful menu offerings.

The brewery has won 4 gold medals and 1 silver medal at the San Diego International Beer Festival, and its lineup boasts over 20 beers crafted in-house, ranging from light to dark. The restaurant also offers delicious pizzas, featuring flavors like Margarita, BBQ Chicken, and Veggie.

Prohibition Brewing Company is rated as one of the highest-quality restaurants and breweries in all of North San Diego County. It is a place where you can enjoy good food, good friends, and good times.

Buying Budweiser Prohibition Beer

The Prohibition era in the United States, lasting from 1920 to 1933, prohibited the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. During this time, Anheuser-Busch, the brewers of Budweiser, had to adapt to remain in business. They did so by manufacturing alternative products, including non-alcoholic drinks, dairy products, and even frozen eggs.

One of their non-alcoholic drinks was Budweiser Prohibition Beer, a non-alcoholic beer with 0.0% ABV and ~25 calories. It is made with the same key ingredients, choice hops, yeast, and filtered water as regular Budweiser, along with a distinctive beechwood aging process. During the final stages of aging, the alcohol is removed through a special process, resulting in a taste that is true to Budweiser's standards.

While Budweiser Prohibition Beer may be difficult to find in stores, it is available for purchase online through retailers such as BeerMenus. However, it is important to note that availability may vary by location. To find Budweiser Prohibition Beer near you, it is recommended to search for online retailers or use tools such as BeerMenus' "Find Nearby" feature, which allows users to search for specific beers available at bars and restaurants in their area.

In addition to Budweiser Prohibition Beer, Anheuser-Busch also produced other non-alcoholic drinks during Prohibition, including a cereal beverage called Bevo and various soft drinks, corn syrup, and carbonated coffee and tea products. They also sold products unrelated to beverages, such as truck bodies and police vans, diversifying their business to survive during the Prohibition era.

Buying non-alcoholic beer

Non-alcoholic beer, also known as "near beer", has been around since the Prohibition era, when brewers were forced to adapt their products to comply with the law. Today, non-alcoholic beer is widely available and can be purchased from various retailers and directly from breweries. Here are some tips for buying non-alcoholic beer:

• Retail Stores: Non-alcoholic beer can often be found in the beverage aisle of grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Look for well-known brands like Budweiser Prohibition Brew, which is widely distributed and easily recognizable.
• Specialty Beer Stores: If you're looking for a wider selection, consider visiting specialty beer stores or liquor stores. These stores often carry a range of non-alcoholic options, including craft beers and imported varieties.
• Online Retailers: Another convenient option is to purchase non-alcoholic beer online. Many popular retailers, such as Amazon and Drizly, offer a variety of non-alcoholic beers that can be delivered directly to your doorstep.
• Breweries and Taprooms: Some breweries and taprooms offer non-alcoholic options alongside their regular beers. If you're visiting a brewery, inquire about their non-alcoholic selections. You may be able to purchase beer to go or enjoy a fresh pint on-site.
• Restaurant and Bars: While dining out or grabbing a drink, keep an eye out for non-alcoholic beers on the menu. Some restaurants and bars carry these options, especially those that cater to a health-conscious or diverse clientele.
• Health and Wellness Stores: In some cases, health and wellness stores may stock non-alcoholic beers. These stores often focus on products that align with healthy lifestyles, so you might find a selection of non-alcoholic options.

When buying non-alcoholic beer, it's important to read the labels carefully. Check the alcohol by volume (ABV) to ensure it meets your desired level of non-alcoholic. Additionally, pay attention to ingredients and choose options that align with your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Buying beer ingredients

During the Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages were prohibited in the United States. However, the ingredients to produce them were not illegal. This led to a boom in homebrewing, with many merchants selling malt extracts and syrups for "baking" that were often used for brewing beer. Here are some tips for buying beer ingredients during Prohibition:

Malt Extracts and Syrups:

Look for malt extracts and syrups sold in cans or cardboard boxes, often stacked openly in grocery stores. Popular brands included Budweiser-brand "barley malt syrup" and Blue Ribbon malt extract. These products were typically marketed as baking ingredients, but everyone knew they were also used for brewing beer. You might find them advertised with a wink or a nudge, suggesting their true purpose.

Hops:

Hops were also readily available during Prohibition, although they might be harder to find than malt extracts. Sales of hops, excluding those for near beer and export, exceeded 13 million pounds during this time, and most of it was presumed to be used for homebrewing. You could probably find hops at specialty shops or from merchants selling homebrewing supplies.

Yeast:

Yeast, an essential ingredient for fermentation, was also available during Prohibition. It might be sold separately or included in malt extract kits. Keep an eye out for yeast cakes, which were commonly used during this time.

Other Ingredients:

In addition to the basic ingredients, you might need adjuncts like rice or corn syrup to help clarify your beer, especially if you're using a pure malt extract. You can also experiment with different types of grains, such as six-row barley, which was commonly used during Prohibition instead of the more traditional two-row barley.

Equipment:

Don't forget the equipment you'll need for homebrewing, such as fermentation vessels, bottles, caps, tubing, and a bottle capper. These items were widely available during Prohibition and could be purchased from shops or online retailers.

Remember, while buying these ingredients and equipment was not illegal during Prohibition, brewing your own beer was. So, exercise caution and keep your activities discreet to avoid attracting the attention of Prohibition agents. Happy brewing!

Frequently asked questions