The United States of Beer

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.

Dane Huckelbridge has written for the Wall Street Journal, Tin House, The New Republic, and New Delta Review. He is the author of Bourbon: A History of the American Spirit; The United States of Beer: The True Tale of How Beer Conquered America, From B.C. to Budweiser and Beyond; and a novel, Castle of Water, which has been optioned for film. A graduate of Princeton University, he lives in Paris.

“An irreverent but informative jaunt through the history of America and beer.” — Chicago Tribune

“A must-read for all beer lovers.” — Library Journal

“Huckelbridge shows how beer, the most popular alcoholic drink in America ... has been America’s essential thirst-quencher throughout our history.” — New York Post

“A relaxing, entertaining, and informative read.” — Charlie Papazian, author of The Complete Joy of Homebrewing

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