From the author of "the definitive history of bourbon" (Sacramento Bee) comes "an irreverent but informative jaunt through the history of America and beer" (Chicago Tribune) Dane Huckelbridge's masterful cultural history charts the wild, engrossing, and surprisingly complex story of our favorite alcoholic drink, showing how America has been under the influence of beer at almost every stage. From the earliest Native American corn brew to the waves of immigrants who brought with them their unique brewing traditions, to the seemingly infinite varieties of craft-brewed suds found on tap today, beer has claimed an outsized place in our culture that far transcends its few simple ingredients—water, barley, and hops. Despite the drink's ubiquity—Americans consume six billion gallons a year—the story of beer in the USA is as diverse and fascinating as the country itself. Drawing upon a wealth of little-known historical sources, explaining the scientific breakthroughs that have shaped beer's evolution, and mixing in more than a splash of dedicated on-the-ground research, The United States of Beer offers a raucous and enlightening toast to the all-American drink.

From the author of Bourbon, “the definitive history” (Sacramento Bee), comes the rollicking and revealing story of beer in America, in the spirit of Salt or Cod. In The United States of Beer, Dane Huckelbridge, the author of Bourbon: A History of the American Spirit—a Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance bestseller—charts the surprisingly fascinating history of Americans’ relationship with their most popular alcoholic beverage. Huckelbridge shows how beer has evolved along with the country—from a local and regional product (once upon a time every American city has its own brewery and iconic beer brand) to the rise of global mega-brands like Budweiser and Miller that are synonymous with U.S. capitalism. We learn of George Washington’s failed attempt to brew beer at Mount Vernon with molasses instead of barley, of the 19th century “Beer Barons” like Captain Frederick Pabst, Adolphus Busch, and Joseph Schlitz who revolutionized commercial brewing and built lucrative empires—and the American immigrant experience—and of the advances in brewing and bottling technology that allowed beer to flow in the saloons of the Wild West. Throughout, Huckelbridge draws connections between seemingly remote fragments of the American past, and shares his reports from the frontlines of today’s craft-brewing revolution.

Home of luaus and surfing, the islands of Hawai'i have been riding a wave of beer making in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The last state in the Union has not been last in creating amazing beers full of the Aloha Spirit. Like the people who settled all over Polynesia, Hawai'i's beer brewers have been dreamers, adventurers and pioneers. From Captain James Cook's emergency beer that nearly inspired a mutiny in 1778 to today's explosion of celebrated craft breweries, the unique geography and culture make the islands a true beer lover's paradise. Join brewer Paul Kan on an adventure through the history of beer making in a tropical wonderland.

Charlotte has entered a golden age of craft brewing. Join author Daniel Hartis for a journey into the center of this of the Queen City's beer scene. While the fermented frenzy of Charlotte's craft brewing fans may feel altogether new, it evokes a forgotten heritage that dates back to colonial days. Beginning with Captain James Jack, whose tavern was a Patriot haven burned by the British during the American Revolution. Local beer writer, and founder of charlottebeer.com, author Daniel Hartis follows a frothy trail through the highs and lows of this sudsy story. Grab a pint and discover how Prohibition took hold of Charlotteans. Ruminate over odes to beer by the Brew Pub Poets Society, and sample the personality and spirit on tap today around this North Carolina city. Charlotte Beer includes photos and a foreword by the Executive Director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers, Win Bassett.

Discover the best craft beer breweries in America as you travel state by state with this fun and updated craft beer roadmap. From California to Maine, there are tons of great craft breweries to explore! In The United States of Craft Beer, beer expert and home-brewer Jess Lebow invites you along this state-by-state exploration of America’s greatest breweries. From Jack’s Abby Brewing in Massachusetts to Maui Brewing Company in Hawaii, this guide takes you to fifty of the best breweries in the country and samples more than fifty-handcrafted beers. Learn everything you want to know about the people who make the nation’s best-tasting beers and the innovative brewing methods that help create the perfect batch. Now you can experience the ultimate bar crawl, as you sample and savor every delicious sip the United States has to offer!

From California to Maine--check out the greatest craft breweries in the United States! Fifty fascinating states, 50 awesome breweries, and 50+ handcrafted beers--what more could you ask for? In The United States of Craft Beer, beer expert and homebrewer Jess Lebow invites you along on his state-by-state exploration of America's greatest breweries. From Jack's Abby Brewing in Massachusetts to the Maui Brewing Company in Hawaii, this guide teaches you everything you need to know about the people who make the nation's best-tasting beers and the innovative brewing methods that help create the perfect batch. Each intoxicating entry also highlights other popular beers that can be found throughout that state, so that you can sample every delicious sip the United States has to offer. Complete with photos of the beers and breweries, The United States of Craft Beer gives you the lowdown on all things craft beer as you make your way across the country.

The Ultimate Book of Craft Beer is the bible for beer lovers and foodies everywhere. From simple lagers to complex stouts, scattered between all the sage advice and mouth-watering recipes, there are profiles on beers from around the world that you’ll definitely want to try. Perfect for everyone from beginners to old hands, this fun and accessible book guides you from how beer is made and how to store it, to what to look for when you’re in a pub. This guide shows you how to identify the beer styles you might like to try with a ‘if you like this, try this’ section, how to make the most gooey indulgent chocolate brownies with beer, and when and how to add a little pizazz to your cocktails with a splash or two of your favourite brew.