The History of National Beer Day & How You Can Celebrate with a Homebrew
Every great holiday deserves a proper celebration, and National Beer Day is no exception. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a homebrewing hobbyist, or just someone who enjoys a cold one, April 7th is a day to raise a glass to the beverage that has stood the test of time. But what exactly is National Beer Day, beyond just another excuse to crack open a cold one? And why do we celebrate it? Let's take a look at the history behind this beer-lovers holiday and how you can make the most of it with Mr. Beer.
From Dry Spells to Cold Brews: The Birth of National Beer Day
On December 18th, 1917, the U.S. Congress proposed the Eighteenth Amendment, better known as Prohibition, which banned the sale, transportation, and production of alcohol in the United States. While the intent was to curb alcohol consumption the reality was quite different. Prohibition led to a decline in the amusement and entertainment industries, which struggled to stay afloat without legally selling alcohol. Thousands of jobs were lost as breweries, distilleries, and saloons shut down, and even more workers in related trades—like barrel makers, truck drivers, and waiters found themselves unemployed.
Fast forward to March 21st, 1933, when Congress passed the Cullen-Harrison Act. President Franklin Roosevelt signed it into law the following day, setting the stage for its enactment on April 7th, 1933. This act allowed the production and sale of beer with an alcohol content of up to 3.2% ABV, effectively signaling the beginning of the end of Prohibition. Finally, on December 5th, 1933, the Twenty-first Amendment repealed Prohibition altogether, making it the only constitutional amendment ever overturned.
In honor of this historic moment, Justin Smith, a Richmond, Virginia Craft Beer Examiner, and his friend Mike Connolly from Liverpool, England, established National Beer Day. Celebrated every April 7th, this day marks the end of America's 12-year dry spell. Since then, it has been unofficially embraced by beer lovers across the country, with Virginia even recognizing it as an official state holiday.
Beer has been around for thousands of years, with evidence of brewing dating back to 7,000 BC. Ancient Mesopotamians wrote poems about it, Ancient Egyptians used it in religious ceremonies, and medieval European monks perfected brewing into an art form. Today, beer is the third most popular beverage in the world—and more than 35 billion gallons are produced annually worldwide.
How to Celebrate With Mr. Beer
Alright, let's be real—what's the best way to celebrate National Beer Day? By enjoying a cold one, of course! And what's better than cracking open a beer? Cracking open one that you brewed yourself.
Here's how you can make this National Beer Day extra special with Mr. Beer:
- Brew Your Own Batch: Whether you're new to brewing or a seasoned pro, there's something satisfying about crafting your own beer. Grab one of our complete kits, follow a few simple steps, and in a few weeks, you'll be sipping on your very own homebrew.
- Host a Beer Tasting Party: Invite your friends over, showcase your brewing skills, and taste different styles of beer. Compare notes, swap brewing tips, and toast to the repeal of Prohibition.
- Try a New Recipe: Been wanting to experiment with a new beer style? National Beer Day is the perfect excuse to miss things up. Try a new Mr.Beer recipe or get creative by adding fruit, spices, or hops to your next batch.
And to make your National Beer Day even better, Mr. Beer is offering a 15% sitewide sale! Whether you need a new kit, refills, or some extra brewing gear, now's the perfect time to stock up.
So, grab a beer (or better yet, brew your own), kick back, and celebrate National Beer Day the way it was meant to be—cheers!