Draft Beer and Its History: What You Need to Know

Draft beer in America has a long and fascinating history stretching back centuries. It is one of the oldest and most popular alcoholic beverages in the country and has been a staple of American culture and society for many generations.

What is Draft Beer?

Draft beer is a type of beer that is served directly from a keg without the use of a bottle or can. It is typically served from a tap at a bar or restaurant. 

Draft beer is usually served cold and is often fresher than canned or bottled beer because it is not pasteurized. It also has a fuller flavor and a smoother, creamier texture than canned or bottled beer because of how it is served.

The Beginnings of Draft Beer

The earliest record of draft beer in America dates back to the 1600s when English settlers began brewing beer in the colonies. Since then, the popularity of draft beer has steadily grown, and it is now one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the country. In the 1930s, the invention of the beer keg revolutionized the industry and allowed for easier storage and transportation of beer. This allowed for wider draft beer distribution and helped increase its popularity. 

Prohibition: What Happened to Draft Beer?

During the period of Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), the production and sale of alcohol were outlawed. As a result, the production and sale of draft beer also ceased. Although some people could find ways to produce and sell beer illegally, it was more challenging to obtain than it had been before Prohibition. 

After Prohibition, the production and sale of draft beer resumed, but it was less popular than it had been before. The rise of canned and bottled beer in the 1950s and 1960s meant more people were drinking beer from bottles and cans rather than from draft. 

This trend continued until the 1980s, when the craft beer movement began to take off. The craft beer movement brought a renewed interest in draft beer, and it is now one of the most popular ways to enjoy beer. 

Today’s Draft Beer

Today, draft beer is still popular in the United States and is available in a variety of styles and flavors. It is typically served cold and is often fresher than canned or bottled beer. Draft beer is served from a tap at a bar or restaurant and can be enjoyed in various ways.

It is a popular choice because it is often fresher and has a fuller flavor than canned or bottled beer. Also, draft beer is more environmentally friendly because it does not require using cans or bottles, which can create a lot of waste. 

The Bottomline

In conclusion, the fascinating history of draft beer in America has been a long and fascinating journey. From the early days of the brewing industry in the 1600s, to the emergence of the industrialization of beer in the 1900s, the development of draft beer has been an integral part of the history of beer in the United States. 

The draft beer industry has made tremendous strides in the last two centuries, from the advent of pasteurisation and refrigeration to the development of mass-marketed kegs and canning technology. 

Today, draft beer plays an integral role in the American beer industry and has become an essential part of the drinking culture. It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of brewers that draft beer has continued to remain popular and evolve over the centuries and will continue to be enjoyed by beer aficionados for many years to come.

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