In popular culture, the Fourth of July connotes hot dogs, hamburgers and cold beer. But the country has changed, and while burgers and hot dogs are still a distinct possibility, so are mofongo and arroz con pollo, or kimchi and kalbi. Cold beer, though, remains universal, and for that we might consider taking a moment to thank the founding fathers of the craft-beer revolution.
A mere 35 years ago, the domestic beer choices on Independence Day weekend were a dismal lot: bland, flavorless mega-brews, with perhaps a few equally uninspiring beers from dying regional breweries. Today, the American beer world is completely different, thanks to some farsighted brewers who envisioned a better future.
The panel tasted 20 American pale ales. …
1. FLYING DOG Flying Dog Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale
2. LONG TRAIL
3. STOUDT’S
4. SLY FOX
5. OTTER CREEK
6. TWO BROTHERS
7. SAMUEL ADAMS
8. DOGFISH HEAD
9. OSKAR BLUES
10. LAGUNITAS
Beers of The Times has the details.