"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy," American scientist and politician Benjamin Franklin once said, we can't debate him at all, as without a doubt the beverage is a favorite of almost every adult and one of the most consumed in California, so we call on everyone to raise their mugs and celebrate this Friday International Beer Day.
Every year since 2008, the first Friday of 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 beverage that is drunk almost everywhere on Earth, the tradition spread around the world and is now celebrated in more than 200 cities on all continents.
Beer dates back several centuries, but everything indicates that the first signs of its elaboration 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.
Undoubtedly, 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 capital of beer consumption. Each Czech drinks an average of 40 gallons a year.
Golden California
According to the U.S. Brewers Association, the state of California has 931 craft breweries in its territory, placing it in first place in the entire American union with the highest number of these centers, offering 3.1 breweries for every 100,000 inhabitants over 21 years of age.
At the national level, these craft breweries have had an economic impact, generating US$9.31 billion in 2021 alone.
The state gilds 3,499,182 barrels of craft beer per year, generating 3.7 gallons of the "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, raising small and independent brewers' share of the U.S. beer market by volume to 13.1 percent.
Craft retail dollar sales rose 21 percent to $26.8 billion, and now account for just under 27 percent of the $100 billion U.S. beer market - previously $94 billion.
The main reason for the higher dollar sales increase was the change in beer volume from packaged sales to bars and restaurants.
Some curious facts about beer:
- The Egyptian workers who were in charge of the construction of 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, moderate consumption.
- More than 80 percent of a beer is made up of water, so the taste of a beer depends a lot on the quality of the water used to brew it.
- Today, beer is a beverage consumed by both men and women, but in its origins the only expert brewers were women. Even during 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, a very high percentage of the population drank beer instead of water because the alcohol ensured the drink's drinkability.
- Originally, beer was cereal flour fermented in the same way as bread. The difference was in the proportion of water. If there was more flour than water, bread was produced. If, on the other hand, there was more water than flour, beer was brewed.
- The name they used to call beer was "liquid bread" and in many cases what was done was to make bread and after baking it, soak it in water to ferment.
- Beer has properties that curl the hair, due to the active ingredients of yeast and barley, which 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 beer foam is a sign of a good quality beer. Moreover, the foam should not disappear at any time, not even when the glass is finished.
Once you know the facts, it is important to show them off in the company of friends and family enjoying a cold beer in a bar, restaurant, club or terrace of your choice, but if you have no idea where to go, we give you a list with 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 brews made with the same ingredients and methods as its partner breweries in England. Most of their beer is cask or real ale, a beer brewed with traditional ingredients, matured by barrel fermentation.
They focus on using fresh, local ingredients to prepare delicious pub dishes made from scratch, they offer specials every day In addition to beer, they offer wine, hard cider and a variety of beverages.
Their staff will be more than happy to provide you with 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 have live music.
2.- Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Located at 390 Capistrano Road in Half Moon Bay, this casual seaside 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 country, and in addition to its award-winning beers, it offers fresh seafood and Bruch on weekends from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
3.- Fieldwork Brewing Co. At 3030 South Delaware Street in San Mateo, there is a small place that, at affordable prices, offers outdoor dining and quality beers. Its citrus-flavored beers are especially popular with locals, in addition to the traditional ale.
The place is open Monday through Sunday and offers food and beverages to go. Children and pets are welcome, well behaved!
4.- Devil's Canyon Brewing Co. is located at 935 Washington St. in San Carlos and is a space that has been serving the beer-loving public, relaxed food and a place to have fun for more than 20 years.
Their beer is well known in the area and is a favorite place for adults young and old to enjoy a good Ale or IPA.
In addition, every Friday is a party at the "Cañón del Diablo", because 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 handcrafted drinks made every day on the premises.
5.- Alpha Acid. Looking for something to experience, this brewery may be just what you're looking for. Located at 121 Industrial Rd Unit 11 in Belmont, this location brews many unique beers while also rebrewing fan favorites, with over 500 unique recipes. In fact, since Alpha Acid releases two new beers weekly, you could technically visit their tavern 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 offer food. Children are also welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult, as well as well-behaved dogs.
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