Great Moments In Brewing: Benjamin Franklin Named Best Beer Buddy In 4th of July Upset
Great Moments In Brewing: Benjamin Franklin Named Best Beer Buddy In 4th of July Upset
In an Independence Day shocker, a 2025 poll found that more people would rather have a beer with Ben Franklin than with George Washington on the 4th.
Here’s the deal.
On July 1st, the Beer Institute broke the unfortunate news, that the father of our country had been swept aside as a favorite Fourth of July drinking buddy, in favor of another historical icon, Benjamin Franklin.
“We can’t imagine that, George Washington would take this demotion as a personal slight, said Tom Bobak, Editor-in-Chief at American Craft Beer, “he doesn’t strike as having been a petty man. Plus the polling was pretty close to begin with, and Benjamin Franklin did have a reputation as a party animal, so there’s that.”
In an unexpected upset, more adult 21+ Americans chose, Benjamin Franklin (34%) over George Washington (32) as the Founding Father they would like to share a beer. Thomas Jefferson trailed behind at 15%, followed by John Adams (9%), Alexander Hamilton (7%) and James Madison (3%),
The Morning Consult poll which was commissioned by the Beer Institute also found that beer remained the beverage of choice on Independence Day..
“Among Americans who drink alcohol, 58% are planning to drink a beer this Independence Day,. When asked which drink best celebrates July Fourth, 36% chose beer over other options, topping other beverage choices such as wine (4%), cocktails (9%), lemonade (19%) and soda (18%).”
“As we gather for Independence Day, it’s no surprise that more than half of Americans plan to enjoy a beer—a drink rooted in our history as far back as the Founding Fathers,” said Brian Crawford, president and CEO of Beer Institute at the time…
“Beyond the festivities, beer supports local economies, creates jobs and fosters community. This July Fourth, let’s remember that beer is a vital part of America’s economy and our everyday lives.”
Other interesting findings from the 2025 poll included
- Adults 21+ prefer fruity (33%), tropical (30%) and crisp (18%) alcohol beverage flavors in the summer.
- A majority of adults 21+ (55%) are more likely to purchase beer if they knew it had a flavor they preferred.
- This flavor preference increases to 80% for those who plan to drink a beer on July 4th.
- Most Americans (76%) who plan to drink an NA beer will also be drinking traditional beer this July 4th.
Happy Independence Day from the American Craft Beer crew!
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