Posted on June 28, 2012 by Mary Ellen Brewington
It’s time to celebrate freedom and all things American. We declared our independence on July 4, and with it, embarked on a 236-year journey to become the strong country we are today – born from a melting pot of all people and cultures. The impact of the United States around the world remains paramount; we are a global center of influence, security and innovation.
In celebration of our country’s birthday, let’s take a moment to focus on the best of America: our homegrown companies and their products.
Brewing maintains an important place in our country’s history and economic development, not to mention why Americans have such good taste. The Native Americans were brewing beer long before Europeans arrived on this land. Today, according to Beer Serves America, the beer industry employs 1.8 million Americans, directly or indirectly. Cherokee Distributing Company is honored to be a part of an industry that employs many Americans and that serves up homegrown products created through American tradition and innovation.
Here are several of our favorite American breweries and brews. This July, try these at your next barbeque or back yard party.
One of the best-known American breweries is the Boston Beer Company, famous for its Samuel Adams products and often considered the “godfather” of modern-day craft brewing. This month, try Samuel Adams Summer Ale, which features malted wheat, lemon peel and Grains of Paradise melded together to create a crisp, spicy, medium-bodied American wheat ale.
Here at Cherokee, we are proud of our recent addition of Blackstone Brewing Company products, bred and brewed in Nashville, Tennessee. The Blackstone American Pale Ale delivers a hoppy, earthy taste that will keep you grounded while you enjoy a night sky exploding with fireworks. Or you can give a nod to our English ancestors by sipping Blackstone’s Nut Brown Ale, a classic English brown ale that’s full bodied but mild enough to be refreshing even on a hot summer day.
Head down to Texas with the flavors of the 103-year-old Spoetzl Brewery and sample the brewery’s newest member of the family: Shiner Wild Hare Pale Ale. Two-row barley malt, high alpha bravo and U.S. Golding hops create an assertive flavor with citrus undertones. This lovely coppery-golden pour will dance in the sunlight and tickle your taste buds.
There would be no independence or America to celebrate without the courage and strength of our military and their families. Salute them this summer by purchasing Founding Fathers Lager and Founding Fathers Light. Fifty percent of all Founding Fathers profits support programs for our military families. Founding Fathers Lager is a blend of three classic American hops with two-row barley and a hint of roasted caramel malt. Kick back with a cold one in the spirit of the brewery’s motto: “Keeping America strong one beer at a time.”
Cheers to the red, white and blue! Let’s toast what makes our country strong – our history, our innovation and our citizens. Happy Birthday, America.