Crack open a cold one for International Beer Day 2023—plus, products to help you celebrate
Crack open a cold one because today, August 4 is International Beer Day 2023! It's a day all about enjoying one of mankind's oldest and most popular beverages. Whether you like IPA or APA, we're sure you'll be able to find a can of something refreshing for the occasion. If you're looking to take your drink game to the next level in honor of the occasion, then read on because we're here to tell you everything you'll want to make this International Beer Day a good one. From beer fridges to your very own brewing kit, here are our favorite beer products for International Beer Day.
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When is International Beer Day 2023?
International Beer Day is observed annually on the first Friday of August. This year, it falls on Friday, August 4.
What is International Beer Day?
Established in 2008, International Beer Day is a day dedicated to enjoying beer and celebrating its history.
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What is the history of beer?
Beer is one of, if not the oldest, fermented drinks enjoyed by humans. The earliest archaeological evidence of beer is residue from fermentation in an Israeli cave. This residue was created by the semi-nomadic Natufians and dates back to over 13,000 years ago.
Written records of beer consumption can be found in several ancient civilizations such as Sumeria, Babylon and Egypt. In Sumeria, ancient tablets record the purchase of beer, with one receipt dating back to 2050 B.C. Babylon's famous Code of Hammurabi had a law that decreed that beer would be rationed out to the populace daily. In Egypt, beer was often buried in the tombs of pharaohs so the rulers could enjoy their drinks in the afterlife.
Hops, which is a bittering and flavoring ingredient vital to many brewing processes, weren't used widely in beer until 1079. We have Hallertau, a region in Bavaria, Germany to thank for this essential flavor.
Products to enjoy International Beer Day 2023
A non-alcoholic beer
Want to celebrate International Beer Day without actually drinking alcoholic beer? You're in luck, as we've tasted several non-alcoholic beers to find out which is the best. For a straight-forward beer without the alcohol, we recommend the Athletic Non-Alcoholic Run Wild IPA. This drink impressed us with how much it tasted like the real deal. Plus, if you're at a function, the drink's subdued can will make it so others are less likely to pester you about your drink choice.
If you're looking for beer alternatives because you don't like the taste of it, we recommend Lagunitas Hop Hoppy Refresher. Instead of being a beer, this is a non-alcoholic seltzer spiced with hops, one of beer's key ingredients. It has a fruity flavor with only a hint of bitterness.
A beer brewing kit
It's often said that if you want something done right, do it yourself. With a home brewing kit, you can make your beer exactly the way you like it. Of course, there's a bit of a learning curve, but we're confident that Brewery 101 will be a fun class. The best beer making kit we've seen is the MoreBeer Deluxe Home Brewing Kit. It comes with pretty much everything you need to brew your first drink, including sanitizer and a clear fermenter so that you can see what's happening with your beer as it brews.
A Koozie
To keep your beer colder for longer, we recommend using a collapsible cooling sleeve or a "Koozie." Tahoebay sells Koozies in a pack of 12, meaning that there will be enough for you and your friends. The Koozies have over 8,600 five-star reviews and buyers love them for their vibrant colors and the ease of transferring designs onto them.
A can cooler
Cracking open a cold one because it's hot outside? Having the can warm up will certainly kill your buzz. Fortunately, Yeti, the masters of keeping food and drinks cold, has your back. Its can cooler will keep your favorite drinks cool even on the hottest days. They also come in multiple sizes and colors. Plus, you can add your own design to your cooler.
A beer fridge
There’s nothing quite as joy-inducing as a full fridge. With our favorite beer fridge, the Wine Enthusiast Evolution Series Beverage Center, you can store a staggering 86 cans and bottles of various beverages, including beer and wine. The temperature remains cool and stable throughout the fridge, meaning your favorite brews will be ready to enjoy when you grab them no matter where you store them.
A beer subscription service
In honor of the holiday, why not try a new beer for the occasion? We recommend trying out a beer subscription service like The Original Craft Beer Club. Either every month or every three months, you'll get 12 or 24 different bottles of three beer styles from around the country, along with tasting notes and information on the highlighted breweries.
$48 from The Original Craft Beer Club
A bottle opener
The Pop-the-Top Beer Bottle Opener is one of the coolest bottle openers around. Not only is this bottle opener easier to use than its traditional counterparts, but it leaves the cap intact if you're into collecting them. It's a must-have for those who want to spend less time finagling with the bottle and more time sipping.
A growler
To drink locally for International Beer Day, we recommend going to your favorite microbrewery and filling up a growler with the best drink on tap. That way, you can enjoy unique, local drinks even when you're home. Stanley's classic easy-poor growler keeps drinks cool and carbonated for hours, and it’s easy to open and close.
A beer glass
Beer without the foam is just sad. Fortunately, this beer glass from Bokksu is designed so that your poured beer will foam just the right amount. If that wasn't enough, the design is cute and it's dishwasher-safe, too.
A cooler
If you're looking to take a lot of beer somewhere like the beach or a get-together with friends, you'll want to use a quality cooler. The best cooler we've tested is the Yeti Tundra 45 thanks to its temperature retention, secure lock, and convenient handles.
For a more budget-friendly cooler, we love Rtic's 52 Qt Ultra-Light Cooler. This cooler is lightweight, well insulated, and its price is about $100 cheaper than the classic Yeti.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: International Beer Day 2023: What you need to celebrate
