Beers Across America: A Quick Primer

One of the things that fascinates me about the craft brewery revolution that's taken hold within the last couple of decades is how distinctly unique each beer is from the last. I think it's also no small coincidence that the United States has such a rich and varied landscape from coast to coast, both geographically and culturally. What a wonderful opportunity for me to examine both of these points on a state to state journey!

Over the course of the coming weeks and months, I'll be reviewing a beer brewed in each state in this fine nation of ours. But it won't just stop there- here's an overview of what I'll be up to:

The Review: An obvious place to start. This will be my opportunity to describe what drew me to the particular beer of choice - whether it be state significance, culturally or otherwise, or a unique style, etc. From there, a bit about the brewery from whence it came. Finally, the beer itself: start to finish, what I love, what I hate, and everything in between.

My Experience: This will be my opportunity to share my thoughts and actual encounters with the state being featured. As I haven't traveled the entire Union as of yet, this section may be more or less detailed from state to state. I'll have a decent amount to say about the East Coast, but next to nothing to report for, say...Iowa. If I've been lucky enough to enjoy a fine local beverage, you'll also read about it here.

Hot Spot: As mentioned right off the bat, craft breweries, pubs, bars and other unique hangouts have spread like wildfire all over the nation. I'll be briefly profiling one such place that I've either been to or would love to visit, again, from the state in question.

Curio: As one would expect from America, there are plenty of interesting little local stories to highlight in a post like this. For example on a more national scale, would you believe that Mountain Dew had its roots based in moonshine? Originally a slang term for moonshine, Mountain Dew was developed by Barney and Ally Hartman in 1940. As soft drinks were still only regionally available in the 1930's, the Hartmans had trouble acquiring their whiskey mixer of choice, so they decided to formulate their own. Early marketing featured Willy the Hillbilly and slogans like "It'll Tickle Yore Innards!" and "Get that Barefoot Feeling." Only after being acquired by PepsiCo in 1964 did its marketing eventually start to transition towards the "young and hip" demographic.

Next Up: A teaser for the next installment. In this case, first will be my home state of New Jersey. You have to start somewhere, and it may as well be my beginning as well.