"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy," said the American scientist and politician Benjamin Franklin. We cannot argue with him, because without a doubt the drink is one of the favorites of almost every adult and one of the most consumed in California, so we call on everyone to raise their glasses and celebrate International Beer Day this Friday.
Every year since 2008, the first Friday in August is celebrated as International Beer Day, after a group of friends in a small bar in Santa Cruz, California, selected the day with the aim of dedicating a day to the drink that is drunk almost everywhere on Earth. The tradition spread throughout the world and is currently held in more than 200 cities on all continents.
Beer dates back several centuries, but everything indicates that the first signs of its production were in Lower Mesopotamia by the Sumerians, some 4 thousand years before Christ. However, it is believed that it was the Babylonians who perfected it, and it is said that if a bad batch was made, the brewer was drowned in it.
There is no doubt that the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids while consuming a good amount of beer. About 4 liters a day, to be exact according to data from the British Museum.
The Vikings believed that a giant goat resided in Valhalla whose udders were filled with an unlimited supply of beer, a belief that for many is a beautiful dream.
The Czech Republic is the world's beer capital. Each Czech drinks an average of 40 gallons a year.
Golden California
According to the American Brewers Association, the state of California has 931 craft breweries in its territory, placing it first in the entire American Union with the highest number of these centers, offering 3.1 breweries per 100,000 inhabitants over 21 years of age.
At the national level, these craft breweries have had an economic impact, generating $9.31 billion in 2021 alone.
The Golden State produces 3 million 499 thousand 182 barrels of craft beer per year, generating 3.7 gallons of “liquid bread” per adult over 21 years of age.
Beer in the U.S.
Total U.S. beer sales volume increased 1 percent in 2021, while craft brewers' sales volume grew 8 percent, bringing small and independent brewers' share of the U.S. beer market by volume to 13.1 percent.
Retail dollar sales of craft beer rose 21 percent to $26.8 billion and now account for just under 27 percent of the $100 billion U.S. beer market — up from $94 billion.
The main reason for the larger increase in dollar sales was the shift in beer volume from packaged sales to bars and restaurants.
Some curious facts about beer:
- The Egyptian workers who were in charge of building the Egyptian pyramids received part of their pay in beer.
- Beer is good for the body! It contains a high level of silicon which increases calcium and mineral deposits for healthy bone tissue. Of course, in moderation.
- More than 80 percent of beer is made up of water, so its flavor depends greatly on the quality of the water used to make it.
- Today, beer is consumed by both men and women, but originally the only expert brewers were women. Even in the 19th century, it was believed that beer consumption was beneficial for good breastfeeding.
- In the Middle Ages, due to the scarcity of drinking water, there was a very high percentage of the population that drank beer instead of water because thanks to the alcohol they ensured the drink's potability.
- Originally, beer was fermented cereal flour in the same way as bread. The difference was in the proportion of water. If there was more flour than water, bread was produced. But if, on the other hand, there was more water than flour, beer was produced.
- The name they used to refer to beer was "liquid bread" and in many cases what was done was to make bread and after baking it, immerse it in water to ferment it.
- Beer has properties that curl hair, due to the active ingredients of yeast and barley, as they provide a large amount of minerals that strengthen keratin and moisturize the hair, giving it a surprising shine.
- Despite the various beliefs about beer foam, the truth is that a voluminous foam is a sign of a good quality beer. What's more, the foam should not disappear at any time, not even when you finish the glass.
Once you know the facts, it's important to show them off to friends and family while enjoying a cold beer at a bar, restaurant, club or terrace of your choice. But if you have no idea where to go, here's a list of some of the best recommendations in San Mateo County.
1.- Freewheel Brewing Co.Located at 3736 Florence Street in Redwood City, this brewery and restaurant offers beers made using the same ingredients and methods as their sister breweries in England. Most of their beer is either on tap or real ale, a beer made with traditional ingredients, matured by barrel fermentation.
They focus on using fresh, local ingredients to prepare delicious pub fare made from scratch, offering daily specials. In addition to beer, they offer wine, hard cider and a variety of mixed drinks.
Their staff will be more than happy to give you information about how they brew their beer and the different styles they serve. Don't be shy to ask, and if you want to know more, see if one of their brewers is available to show you around the brewery. On weekends they feature live music.
2.- Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Located at 390 Capistrano Road in Half Moon Bay, this casual coastal restaurant and bar has become an institution in the area for locals and visitors alike since opening in 2000.
It is considered one of the best coastal breweries in the entire country, and in addition to its award-winning beers, it offers fresh seafood and brunch on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
3.- Fieldwork Brewing Co. At 3030 South Delaware Street in San Mateo, there is a small place that offers affordable outdoor dining and quality beers. Its citrus-flavored beers are especially popular with locals, along with traditional ales.
The place is open from Monday to Sunday and offers takeaway food and drinks. Children and well-behaved pets are welcome!
4.- Devil's Canyon Brewing Co. It is located at 935 Washington St. in San Carlos and is a space that has been serving the public who are fans of beer, relaxed food and a place to have fun for more than 20 years.
Their beer is well known in the area and it is a favorite spot for young and old adults to enjoy a good Ale or IPA.
In addition, every Friday is a party at the Devil's Canyon, as with a tradition of more than two decades, starting at 4:00 p.m., children, adults and pets are welcome to enjoy live music, food trucks and fresh craft drinks made every day on the premises.
5.- Alpha AcidIf you're looking for something to experiment with, this brewery might be just the thing. Located at 121 Industrial Rd Unit 11 in Belmont, this brewery makes plenty of unique beers while also reworking fan favorites, with over 500 unique recipes. In fact, since Alpha Acid releases two new beers weekly, you could technically visit their taproom once every seven days and still not try every beer they make.
It is open every day and allows you to bring your own food, as they do not provide food. Children are also welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult, as are well-behaved dogs.
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