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Today, September 28, is celebrated as National Drink Beer Day, a day dedicated to appreciating one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world. Beer, the third most consumed drink globally after water and tea, has a history of fermentation that goes back approximately 13,000 years to ancient Middle Eastern civilizations.

Celebrating this day is straightforward: simply grab your favorite beer—whether it’s a lager, ale, or stout—and relax.

Origins and History of National Drink Beer Day

The true origins of National Drink Beer Day are somewhat murky. Some believe the date is significant because it is close to the birth of Arthur Guinness, the founder of the iconic Irish brewery, who was born on September 24, 1725. However, this connection is tenuous at best.

Another theory links the day to the Oktoberfest, which has been celebrated in Munich since 1810 and attracts over six million visitors annually. Despite its proximity to Oktoberfest, there’s no solid evidence suggesting that National Drink Beer Day was established in connection with this famous festival, although many local bars might offer German-style beers in its honor.

Interestingly, another day dedicated to beer occurs in the U.S.—National Beer Day, which is celebrated on April 7. This date marks the enactment of the Cullen-Harrison Act, which allowed the sale of beer containing up to 3.2% alcohol, signaling the decline of Prohibition.

When Did National Drink Beer Day Begin?

As with its origins, the exact date when National Drink Beer Day started is unclear. Some sources claim it can be traced back to the early 1900s, but reliable documentation is lacking.

Regardless of when it began, the day has found its place on the national calendar, allowing beer enthusiasts to come together and celebrate. So, let’s raise a glass to National Drink Beer Day! Cheers!

Although lagers have dominated American beer sales for decades, the preferences of beer drinkers have evolved over time. As trends change, so do the brands that capture the hearts of each generation. For Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1980, the most popular beer as of 2026 is Blue Moon, according to a report from YouGov.

Blue Moon is an unfiltered Belgian-style wheat ale with an ABV of 5.4%. It is characterized by a sweet and citrusy profile that is lightly spiced, thanks to ingredients such as coriander and orange peel. The beer is famously garnished with an orange slice, a tradition established by its creator, Keith Villa.

Despite being marketed as a craft beer, Blue Moon is produced by MillerCoors, known for other popular beers like Miller Lite and High Life. Thus, it occupies a unique space in the market as a major brand that presents itself with a craft identity, garnering a loyal following without being an independent brewery or an imported brand.

The journey of Blue Moon began in 1995 at the Coors-backed Sandlot Brewery located at the Coors baseball field in Denver, Colorado. Its initial sales were limited to this venue, but word-of-mouth and favorable reception quickly pushed Coors to expand distribution to 22 states within a year, followed by broader marketing efforts.

Over the years, Blue Moon has grown to be widely available across the country, capturing the loyalty of Gen X drinkers, many of whom have strong connections to sports, particularly Major League Baseball (MLB). The beer is often enjoyed alongside traditional stadium fare and is well-promoted in contexts like golf, where it partners with professional players. Celebrity endorsements, including collaborations with Colin Jost from "SNL," have helped to maintain and strengthen its appeal among Gen X.

Blue Moon has also adapted to modern drinking trends, with the introduction of a non-alcoholic version and flavored varieties. This ability to innovate while maintaining its signature taste has helped solidify Blue Moon’s status as a go-to beer for Generation X into 2026.

For more insights, you can read the original article on Food Republic.

In an exploration of the cost of beer through the years, we realize that many may not be aware of the price fluctuations that have occurred since their birth. Thanks to historical data, we can take a nostalgic leap back in time to understand how much a six-pack of beer would have cost the year you were born—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z.

Starting in the 1950s, the average cost of a six-pack in 1950 was about $1.57, which equates to roughly $21.80 today when adjusted for inflation. This starkly contrasts the more budget-friendly prices of many mainstream six-packs today. By 1955, the price slightly increased to $1.61, maintaining a value that exceeds $20 in today’s market.

As we moved into the 1960s, the price was $1.70 by 1960—a year marked by political tensions, leading to the first televised presidential debate. The beer industry’s prices remained fairly stable throughout the decade, growing to approximately $1.76 by 1965.

The 1970s ushered in considerable changes. The price of a six-pack broke the $2 mark for the first time by 1971. Although consumers faced economic challenges during this stagflation period, beer remained a staple, with average prices reaching $2.55 in 1975.

By 1980, the average price for a six-pack was $3.40, amidst an increase in overall beer consumption. As the craft beer movement began taking off into the 1980s, prices climbed further, with a six-pack costing $4.29 by 1985.

In the following decades, beer prices continued to grow. In 1990, the cost was around $4.96—a price that many now reflect upon nostalgically as nearly a steal. The mid-90s saw a peak in craft beer popularity, raising the average price per six-pack to $5.78 by 1995.

As we approached the turn of the millennium, in 2000, a six-pack averaged $6.30. This price feels relatively low compared to today’s standards, as beer continues to rise in cost. By 2005, the average six-pack price finally landed at $7.09, aligning with the prices for younger drinkers born in that very year.

In summary, looking back through the lens of beer pricing over the decades reveals a fascinating tale of economic changes reflecting broader social shifts. Today, while prices may seem high, adjusted against historical contexts, some may find solace in noting that relative affordability remains higher than in previous decades.