The Fourth of July is all about independence, so it seems only right that we take a moment to honor a truly autonomous creation: American craft beer.
With so much variety -- so many ways to bottle, sip and savor damn near every type of ale out there -- what's not to celebrate?
The best part: think of any party occaision or weekend celebration, and there's probably been a mircobrew named to match it.
Here, Charlie's found four of the best-named brews for our nation's most colorful holiday weekend. Stop by your local Total Wine -- or any specialty liquor store that has a good independent brew selection, and look for these Fourth of July favorite beers.
They are:
4. Patriot Pale Ale by RJ Rockers in South Carolina
An American pale ale launched by RJ Rockers, Patriot is "aggressively hopped" with Challenger and Cascade for a strong, sweet caramel finish. Sounds like a refreshing way to end your Fourth of July festivities.
3. Freedom of '78 Guava Wheat India Pale Ale by Half Acre Beer in Illinois
What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with this freedom-fighting IPA from Chicago? So what if it's got a guava finish and was originally brewed in honor of the band Ween's third studio album, Pure Guava. It's fruity and refreshing, the way a summer beer should be, but it's oh-so-appropriate with a drawing of the Liberty Bell (as well as a characateur of well-known Chitown brewmaster Jonathan Cutler of Pierce Brewery) on the label.
2. Independence Hop Ale by Rogue Brewery in Newport, Oregon
If you're grilling out today, be sure to grab a few of these 22-ounce dinner-bottle bad boys. Independence, an American-style ale, is perfect for pairing with beef or spicy foods. And this weekend.
1. Liberty Ale by Anchor Brewing in California
According to the brewery's website, Liberty Ale -- introduced in 1975 -- is brewed using traditional brewing methods. The use of special, top-fermenting ale yeast, a natural carbonation process called "bunging," and dry-hopping (adding fresh hops to the brew during aging) give it a unique flavor. Now there's another reason to celebrate. Cheers!
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