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SunOct 27

National American Beer Day – October 27, 2024

What is National American Beer Day?

National American Beer Day is observed by beer drinkers across the nation every year on October 27. Though Americans love a good pint of Guinness, a chilled Heineken, or a bubbling Corona, they’ll set aside imports of all kinds on National American Beer Day to instead celebrate distinctly domestic lagers and ales brewed across the country.

History of National American Beer Day

While the general history of beer places its beginnings as far back as approximately 7,000 years ago, the now-ubiquitous drink didn’t appear in the United States until the latter years of the 16th century. Virginian colonists, likely nostalgic for the alcoholic staple available in pubs everywhere back in England, looked to their corn crops as a possible source for libation creation.  They began to brew the first-recorded American ales, and in the early years of the 17th century, the first brewery in the New World would appear in what was then called “New Amsterdam,” now known as “Manhattan.”

Sadly, neither this brewhouse nor the others that would spring up throughout the next hundred years or so are still in operation. However, the brewing company of D.G. Yuengling & Son would be the first to buck this trend. Founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Yuengling has been in operation for nearly 200 years! The company is as strong as ever, as well: in 2018, they placed at #1 in the Brewers Association’s list of the top 50 craft brewing companies in America. 

Yuengling may be the longest-surviving brewery in America, but their competition has grown since their earliest days. As of 2019, there are over 7,000 breweries that produce beer in the United States; they range in size from industry giants like MillerCoors to smaller brew-pubs and microbreweries. Currently, California hosts the greatest number of craft breweries, with more than 750 independent breweries that can call the Golden State their home. Regardless of where they live, though, on National American Beer Day, people across the country will toast to their favorite American beers, possibly with a glass of it in hand.

National American Beer Day timeline

1587
American Beer Appears

Colonists in Virginia work together to create the first American-brewed beers.

1789
The President Takes a Stance

Apparently George Washington’s warning against foreign entanglements extended to his choice in beverage as he declares that he will only drink porter beers produced in America.

1852
A Giant is Born

Anheuser-Busch is founded as “Bavarian Brewery.” Now the #1 beer producer in America, the company reports it commands 46% of U.S. beer sales.

1919
The Prohibition Era Begins

The passage of the 18th amendment to the constitution puts the business of breweries everywhere in jeopardy.

National American Beer Day FAQs

Is today National American Beer Day?

National American Beer Day falls every October 27th, but if you wanted to observe it on any other day of the year, who are we to judge?

Is there a National Alcohol Day?

There doesn’t seem to be a National Alcohol Day, but there are mainly holidays based around types of alcohol like beer, wine, margarita’s, etc. If you’re in the U.S. why not honor alcohol on December 5? It’s the day prohibition was repealed. 

How many national beer days are there?

While we’re of the mind that any day can be a national beer day, there are a few of note worth mentioning including International Beer Day (August 2), National Beer Day (April 7), and National Beer Can Appreciation Day (January 24). 

National American Beer Day Activities

  1. Grab some Buds with some buds

    Pick up a pack of Budweiser (or any American beer of your choice), call up your friends, and kick back with some brews in hand.

  2. Tour a nearby brewery

    A quick online search should point you in the direction of a number of breweries near you. It doesn’t take much planning to have a great time at a brewery, and it’s a great opportunity to support a local, American business!

  3. Try Creating Your Own Craft

    Homebrewing is an increasingly popular hobby in households throughout the country. Pick up a craft-a-brew set online, or go full DIY and start to build out your own brewing kit at home!

Why We Love National American Beer Day

  1. Beer Has a Pleasant Taste

    Many appreciate the relaxing effect that drinking alcohol can have on a person, which is why so many people turn to beer to unwind for a bit. But, we don’t just benefit from the alcohol inherent in our favorite brews; simply the taste of a beer can have a positive effect on us, as well. According to researchers at Indiana University, experiencing the taste of beer can cause the release of the feel-good chemical dopamine in our brains independent of any influence of alcohol itself.

  2. It Gives Us a Reason To Come Together

    All too often, we find ourselves unable to spend time with our friends and loved ones. National American Beer Day serves as a motivation to make the time to head down to the local brewery and have a couple with those we want to loosen up with.

  3. American Craft Beer is Iconic

    Beer may have its origins outside of North America, but arguably no other country has explored its numerous forms as extensively as the U.S. The United States outnumbers all other nations by thousands in the total number of craft breweries in production.

National American Beer Day dates

Year Date Day
2024 October 27 Sunday
2025 October 27 Monday
2026 October 27 Tuesday
2027 October 27 Wednesday
2028 October 27 Friday