The forefathers of our beloved country gave us the gift of freedom and instilled in us a tradition of great American beer that has been passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, there’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day than toasting a carefully crafted beer to the birth of this great land of ours.
Here’s a roundup of what Flying Saucer GMs, Beerknurds and our own Captain Keith will be raising up this Fourth of July. What do you plan on enjoying while taking in fireworks and hanging out with family and friends?
Josh Hamilton, Raleigh GM
What are you toasting with?
21st Amendment Brewery’s Brew Free! Or Die IPA
Why?
I can’t think of a more appropriate beverage to consume on the Fourth than this. The beer tastes like freedom, and I can’t wait to let it ring!!
Jason Daveport, Little Rock GM
What are you toasting with?
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Why?
Because nothing says “America” to me like a classic American Pale Ale made by a classic American brewery.
Thaddeus Stockton, San Antonio Regular and holder of 19 Plates
What are you toasting with?
Harp
Why?
To toast to peace within our great country.
Kacee Funk, Nashville GM
What are you toasting with?
Yazoo Summer Ale
Why?
Yazoo is our oldest local brewery and a big supporter of ours. They made this Gose style, which is one of my favorites, especially in the summertime. Nothing like this crisp, tart, salty beer to have outside while hanging with the family. That’s why I picked it for the Fourth of July.
Kellen Duryea, Kansas City GM
What are you toasting with?
Nebraska Brewing Cardinal Pale Ale
Why?
I chose Nebraska Brewing’s Cardinal Pale Ale because I grew up in Nebraska, and our Fourth of July has always been about large family events, picnics or some sort of outdoor activity and fireworks. It was always canned beer, and I like canned beer for outdoor events—just seems to fit the occasion. Cardinal Pale is also a really good brew, well balanced with nice pine drop and herbal notes.
Asa Hanrahan, Houston GM
What are you toasting with?
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Why?
I will be pounding Sierra Nevada Pale Ales all day because I love freedom. It’s my favorite all-time beer and one of the oldest American craft beers.
Marc A. Castaldo, Fort Worth GM
What are you toasting with?
Avery Brewing Lilikoi Kepolo and Mission Brewing El Conquistador
Why?
I’m a huge fan of the can revolution in craft brewing. ATB, as I like to call it—All Terrain Beer. If I’m out in the field on a hunt or partying at a festival, they’re easy to pack in and easier to crush and pack out. This Fourth I’ll be enjoying the very unique and refreshing Lilikoi Kepolo from Avery Brewing Co. out of Boulder, Colorado. It’s a Belgian-style Wit brewed and infused with spices and passion fruit. I’ll also have plenty of the very solid all-around El Conquistador from Mission Brewing in San Diego, California—a great Pale Ale in a QUART CAN!!
and finally,
Captain Keith
(L-R) Rusty Woodland (HEB Beer Buyer), Ken Grossman (Sierra Nevada Founder), Captain Keith, Charlie (Sierra Nevada)
What are you toasting with?
Celebrating the Fourth this year with friends and family, I will surely be drinking a Sierra Nevada Hoptimum when the sun goes down.
Why?
I am a big fan of Sierra Nevada and recently saw this beer back on the shelves. I bought a few 4-packs to share with friends during the firework show after dark. It is an Imperial IPA with loads of hops, plenty of strength, not too sweet and a dry finish. I may start with a session beer and work my way up to this beast.
There you go, Beerknurds. Happy Fourth to you all! Let us know what you’re drinking in the comments below.
