Happy Labor Day weekend!

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Labor Day being celebrated as a national holiday. In 1984, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday. For many Americans, people associate Labor Day with the end of summer and the often debated “when to stop wearing white.”

Labor Day is an important holiday for the craft beer industry. It’s a time for us to recognize and celebrate all of the breweries making awesome craft beer around the country. BOB is proud of the thriving craft beer industry, and how it contributes thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the U.S. economy.

Craft Beer’s Contribution to the U.S. Economy

Year after year, the craft beer industry creates jobs for hard-working Americans, while contributing to the growth and stability of our national economy.

In 2017, small and independent American craft brewers contributed $76.2 billion to the U.S. economy, according to the Brewers Association. The industry provided more than 500,000 total jobs, with more than 135,000 jobs directly at breweries and brewpubs, including serving staff at brewpubs.

So, this Labor Day, let’s celebrate by drinking American beer styles, such as the American Pale Ale. Although this style has European roots, today’s brewers have taken great strides to make all-American versions, using American-grown barley and hops, native yeast strains and packaging them in American-made glass beer bottles.

American Pale Ale Craft Beer

This Americanized version of the English Pale Ale was born in Northern California, although the details of “who, what, when and where” are often debated.

American Pale Ales are slightly hoppier, lighter in color and lower in malt sweetness than their English counterparts. They boast strong American hop profiles (grass, citrus and pine), without being overbearing and obnoxious. Overall, they are refreshing with strong carbonation, moderate alcohol and a crisp, dry finish.

The following are examples of American Pale Ales:

Zombie Dust from Three Floyds Brewing Co.

Formerly known as Cenotaph, this medium-bodied single hop beer uses Citra hops from the Yakima Valley, and is packaged in glass beer bottles made in the U.S.A.

Bell’s Amber Ale from Bell’s Brewery

An original, classic, Bell’s Amber Ale features toasted and sweet caramel notes from carefully selected malts, balanced with herbal and citrus hop aromas and capped by a clean bitterness.

Buckshot Amber Ales from Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.

Buckshot Amber Ale is highlighted by roasted toffee and caramel notes, making it a smooth, sessionable ale. This easy-drinking amber ale is brewed using six different malts and mild American hops giving it a sweet, yet balanced flavor.

Boulevard Pale Ale from Boulevard Brewing Co.

Boulevard Pale Ale is a smooth, fruity, well-balanced beer. A variety of caramel malts provide a rich flavor and amber color, while Cascade hops add zest and aroma. Pale Ale is the first beer Boulevard brewed, but it continues to be a year-round favorite.

So, BOB hopes you’ll grab one of these great brews this Labor Day and have a toast to all of the hard-working women and men in the craft beer industry. Let’s raise an American-made glass beer bottle of American craft beer made by American workers at American-owned breweries.

Cheers!
BOB