Health+Harvest

The Past, Present And Future Of American Beer

WAMU 88.5

Published October 7, 2019 at 10:06 AM CDT

Bottles with beer are pictured in a microbrewery factory on February 28, 2019, in the island of Evia, some 200 kilometres (124 miles) east of Athens. - The microbrewery sector has experienced an awakening in Greece, where demand was traditionally higher for wine, mass-produced beers and ouzo, with producers further spicing flavours up with ingredients such as honey, cardamum and mahaleb. (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS / AFP) (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images)

One hundred years on from prohibition, Americans are getting their “claws out,” shouting “dilly dilly” at major golf tournaments and slurping mimosas at brunch.

In short, banning alcohol obviously didn’t stick.

In the face of all of the goofiness of alcohol marketing and culture, it’s tempting to classify the analysis of drinking culture as a fun diversion rather than a serious route of study.

However, Theresa McCulla, the brewing historian for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, would say that you’re missing the bigger picture, especially when it comes to beer:

We feel strongly that the history of beer and brewing throughout American history serves as a lens to look at other issues. If you look at beer, you can understand stories of immigration, transportation, changes to our technology, business, as well as consumer culture and how it intertwines with advertising.

McCulla joins us to discuss the history of American drinking culture, American brewing and the legacy of prohibition.

Produced by Paige Osburn.

For more, visit https://the1a.org.