Happy Birthday America! The Fourth of July weekend is almost upon us and much of the country has already bailed on work and is in total holiday mode. Independence Day first and foremost commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But it’s also a time for friends and family, parades and barbecues, concerts, baseball games, and parties.

And needless to say, it’s a great time for drinking beer.

So with that in mind, we canvassed the American craft beer landscape for you and came up with five patriotic brews that you might want to celebrate your holiday with…

Samuel Adams Boston Lager: Boston Beer Company (Boston, MA) – Maybe because it was one of the first craft beers that people recognized or perhaps because it’s one of the most widely distributed and generally available brews – but for many, Samuel Adams Boston Lager has become a July 4^th staple. We know it’s not sexy – but it’s solid – and it deserves its place at any holiday gathering this weekend.

Brew Free! Or Die IPA: 21^st Amendment (San Francisco, CA) – C’mon, the name alone screams Independence Day and the Mount Rushmore-inspired artwork that graces the can is beyond awesome.

Anchor Liberty Ale: Anchor Brewing Company (San Francisco, CA) – Like Sam Adam’s Boston Lager, Anchor’s Liberty Ale is a patriotic classic that deserves its righteous place at your Independence Day outing. Its name alone defines what this holiday is truly about. Liberty Ale was first brewed to celebrate the bicentennial of Paul Revere’s historic ride, is said to be one of the first modern American IPAs brewed after prohibition, and is considered by many to be the historic beer that started the craft beer revolution.

Homefront IPA: Center of the Universe Brewing /Fremont Brewing Company (Seattle, WA & Richmond, VA) – What better time to honor those who have given up so much for this country than with this special commemorative brew. Center of the Universe and Fremont Brewing Company teamed up again this year to brew Homefront IPA for the benefit of service members across the country. Homefront IPA is an ale brewed with oranges and aged on donated bats from the Louisville Sluggers. Other breweries that have participated in this worthy project include Sly Fox (PA), St. Arnold (TX), 21st Amendment (CA), Cigar City (FL), and Perennial Artisan Ales (MO). All proceeds are donated to Operation Homefront, an organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. 

Rouge American Amber: Rogue Ales (Newport, OR) – From its name to its label…it doesn’t get more American than this. “A perfect embodiment of an American Amber Ale” – World Beer Championship Judges…’Nuff said!

Honorable Mentions

Firestone Walker Pivo Hoppy Pils – Maybe the best “New American” craft beer Pilsner out there – essential…

Victory Summer Love Ale – “Because we love it too”

Yuengling Lager –The oldest operating brewing company in the United States, established in 1829

Budweiser – You know it’s earned its place at America’s picnic table. Don’t be a hater.