Beer-articles 1038

When browsing through a liquor store’s beer selection, you might notice small colored dots on the bottoms of some beer cans. These dots, varying in color and size, often lead to speculation among beer enthusiasts, with theories ranging from government tracking to even concerns about poison. The reality, however, is grounded in production efficiency rather than mystery or conspiracy.

During the manufacturing process, a machine applies these colored dots on the bottom of each can immediately before they enter an internal coating machine. This machine is crucial as it sprays a protective coating on the inside of the can, preventing the aluminum from reacting with the beer, thus preserving the taste and quality by shielding it from corrosion. Each internal coating machine can process thousands of cans per minute, and companies often operate several machines in tandem.

The colored dots serve a practical purpose; each color represents a specific coating machine. If an inspector identifies a flaw in the coating, they can easily trace it back to the corresponding machine by flipping the can over. This allows maintenance personnel to rectify issues swiftly without halting the entire production line.

Canned beer has been around since 1935, when the American Can Company revolutionized beer packaging, making it lighter, more storied, and easier to transport than bottled beer. Today, aluminum cans account for a significant portion of beer packaging across the U.S., meeting consumer demand while maintaining production efficiency.

In conclusion, while the dots on the bottom of beer cans might spark curiosity, they play an essential role in ensuring quality control during the canning process, highlighting the blend of manufacturing efficiency and consumer safety in the beverage industry.

What defines a great classic American beer? Is it merely the contents of the glass, or the legacy it carries? A recent taste test explored this question, ranking various classic American beers, and the standout winner was none other than Yuengling Traditional Lager, a beer that sets itself apart not just by its flavor but also by its storied history.

Yuengling Traditional Lager, produced by America’s oldest brewery established in 1829 in Pennsylvania, is classified as an amber lager, differing from the more common pale ales or light lagers found in American beer selections. This beer utilizes American Cascade and Cluster hops, resulting in a balanced flavor profile that is perceived as smooth and not overly bitter. Reviewers noted Yuengling had a pleasant taste while ending up as a more enjoyable choice in comparison to lighter brands like Michelob and Busch.

Despite having higher calories and carbs than many light beers—141 calories and 12 grams of carbs per serving—Yuengling strikes a chord with drinkers looking for a full-bodied option that also maintains a low alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5%. The blend of tradition and flavor likely contributes to its appeal, especially considering the brewery’s long-standing history of perfecting beer recipes amidst the changing tides of American brewing.

Beyond flavor, Yuengling’s narrative enhances its status as a classic American beer. Founded by David G. Yuengling, the company originally operated under the name Eagle Brewery. It adeptly navigated Prohibition by producing "near beer" and even ventured into ice cream production. The brewery’s historical significance is enriched by the fact that its underground caves, dug by coal miners, were utilized to keep beer kegs cold long before refrigeration became widespread.

Yuengling has merged into the culture of its region, becoming synonymous with local bars throughout Pennsylvania and the Northeast. The beer’s less-commercial presence compared to giants like Bud Light lends it an air of exclusivity while being well-regarded for both its quality and price point. This combination of rich history and reliable flavor has solidified Yuengling Traditional Lager’s position as a quintessential American classic.

For more insights into the world of beer, check out this comprehensive list of classic American beers ranked worst to best.

Inside the D.C. Convention Center on September 11, thousands of volunteers came together to commemorate the day by packing red lentil jambalaya to provide 700,000 meals for local families. “September 11 was a tragedy. But we really try to focus on what happened after that—Americans coming together, looking to see what they can do for their neighbor,” Mieka Sanderson, senior director of programs and grants for the nonprofit organization 9/11 Day, stated.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and the organization aimed to inspire a movement for a million good deeds across the nation. On that day alone, volunteers managed to pack a staggering 18 million meals at more than 50 events happening concurrently across the country.

In the spirit of reflection and service, these efforts highlighted the resilience and unity within communities, turning a day of sorrow into one of hope and collaboration.

For more details about the volunteer efforts, you can read here.

When the cool autumn weather begins, craft beer enthusiasts tend to gravitate towards the divisive yet beloved category of pumpkin beers. Among these, Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Nitro Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout has emerged as the standout selection for 2026, captivating beer lovers with its innovative use of nitrogen technology. This method, also known for giving Guinness its signature creaminess, enhances Nitro Warlock’s luxurious profile, making it a high-ABV option ideal for chilling autumn evenings.

Why Nitro Warlock is the Top Pumpkin Beer of 2026

The nitrogen infusion bestows a silky mouthfeel along with a creamy foam head, elevating the beer’s dessert-like quality. As a result, Nitro Warlock transforms into an indulgent concoction that conjures flavors of a chocolaty pumpkin pie milkshake with a hint of coffee. This brew, part of Southern Tier’s Blackwater Series, triumphs over their flagship imperial pumpkin ale, Pumking, as the top pick in the 2026 Best Beers Awards.

While Pumking focuses on bright pumpkin pie spices, graham cracker crust, and sweet vanilla, Nitro Warlock shifts the emphasis to roasted dark grains, cocoa, and mild coffee bitterness. Its rich profile makes it a perfect pair for those autumn evenings spent handing out Halloween treats.

• Style: Pumpkin Ale
• Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Co., Lakewood, NY
• ABV: 8.6%

Methodology for Selection

The selection process for the best beers involved personal tasting alongside expert recommendations, industry accolades, and online reviews. Inputs from favorite platforms such as Untappd further informed the rankings. As a seasoned expert in the craft beer field, with over two decades of writing experience and six published books on the subject, the evaluation criteria encompassed appearance, flavor, head retention, and overall finish, assessed through multiple sips in proper glassware.

With this rigorous methodology, Nitro Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout not only claims its title for the season but also solidifies its position in the broader landscape of craft beer excellence.

Japanese brewer Sapporo has announced plans to relocate some of its beer production from Canada to the United States in response to the recent implementation of a 50% tariff on beer imported from Canada. This significant cost increase has prompted Sapporo to consider localizing its production.

Rieko Shofu, the chief strategy officer at Sapporo, stated that the tariffs are beyond the company’s control, leading them to reinforce local production efforts. The brewery aims to shift the production of its non-alcoholic beer—currently manufactured in Canada for the U.S. market—to the U.S. by the first half of 2027.

The U.S. is a crucial market for Sapporo, and this change could directly impact operations at its Canadian subsidiary, Sleeman Breweries. To offset the rising costs, Sapporo is exploring options to enhance its production capabilities on the U.S. West Coast, which may involve building new facilities, purchasing existing breweries, or collaborating with third-party manufacturers.

Sapporo has been expanding its presence in the U.S. for several years and has become the best-selling Asian beer brand in the country. As the company aims for further international growth, with plans to invest up to ¥400 billion ($2.6 billion) by 2030, a significant portion of this capital is allocated for international markets due to stagnating sales in Japan.

Additionally, the company announced a partnership with Danish brewer Carlsberg in July to enhance its reach in Southeast Asia.

This strategy shift by Sapporo is indicative of a broader trend, as many companies reassess their production locations amid increasing tariffs and trade barriers worldwide.

For further insights on the implications of tariffs, you can check the following links:

• Carney says US trade war ‘will come at a cost’
• US hits dozens of countries with new wave of tariffs

EU beer production experienced a decline in 2025, reaching a total of 34.4 billion liters. This decrease is notable as the shift toward alcohol-free beer continues to expand within the market. Germany has maintained its position as the largest beer producer in the European Union, followed closely by Spain, which also saw an increase in its beer production.

Of the 34.4 billion liters produced in the EU, 32.3 billion liters were beers with an alcohol content greater than 0.5% ABV, while the alcohol-free segment constituted approximately 2.1 billion liters, representing just over 6% of total production. This aligns with trends from previous years, showing a stagnation in conventional beer production, which contrasts sharply with the growth in the alcohol-free sector.

While Germany leads in production of alcohol-free beer, with output doubling over the past decade, Spain holds the highest consumption rates. In fact, one in four alcohol-free beers consumed in the EU is enjoyed in Spain, where sales of alcohol-free beer increased by 4.6% to 3.3 million hectoliters last year. Notably, this category now makes up about 14% of all beer consumed in Spain, highlighting its mainstream acceptance.

Interestingly, alcohol-free beer does not appear to be completely replacing regular beer. Research indicates that about 90% of those who drink alcohol-free beer also consume traditional beer. This evolution in consumer preferences reflects not only a growing acceptance of alcohol-free alternatives but also an improvement in the quality and marketing of these products, making them more appealing to the mainstream demographic.

Overall, the continued penetration of alcohol-free beer into the market signifies a shift in consumer trends, with younger drinkers leading this transition. As breweries adapt to declining sales of alcoholic beverages, the emphasis on quality and variety in the alcohol-free segment is likely to expand further.

Researchers observing trends in alcohol-related liver cancer deaths noticed a decline in these fatalities prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this downward trend experienced a significant reversal during the pandemic years.

This shift prompted concerns among health experts, who are working to analyze how socio-economic factors linked to the pandemic, including increased alcohol consumption due to stress and isolation, may have contributed to this troubling development. The data highlights the need for ongoing public health initiatives addressing alcohol use and its consequences, especially in the wake of global crises that can impact mental health and lifestyle choices.

For more information, refer to Alcohol-related liver cancer deaths were falling. Then the trend reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since it’s Labor Day weekend, a study examined America’s favorite adult beverage—beer. Innerbody Research analyzed Google Trends to determine the most popular beers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. over the past year, leading to a ranking based on search interest scores.

For the second year running, Wisconsin tops the list as America’s beer capital. The rankings, along with the states’ search interest scores, are as follows:

1. Wisconsin 98.53
2. Wyoming 86.54
3. Kansas 82.4
4. Nebraska 81.77
5. Iowa 76.37
6. New Hampshire 74.25
7. Pennsylvania 72.92
8. North Dakota 71.75
9. South Dakota 70.54
10. Missouri 67.79
11. Nevada 66.37
12. Illinois 66.12
13. Colorado 61.96
14. West Virginia 61.1
15. Michigan 60.45
16. Montana 58.46
17. Minnesota 57.5
18. Ohio 55.24
19. Maine 54.85
20. Indiana 51.31
21. Arizona 50.94
22. Oklahoma 49.93
23. South Carolina 49.42
24. Florida 49.26
25. Delaware 47.94

The list continues with other states, showcasing a diverse appreciation for beer throughout the country. The top ten most popular beers include:

1. Michelob Ultra
2. Bud Light
3. Stella Artois
4. Budweiser
5. Guinness
6. Coors Light
7. Busch Light
8. Miller Lite
9. Blue Moon Belgian White
10. Corona

Interestingly, the percentage of U.S. adults who consume alcohol has decreased to 54%, marking a record low according to Gallup. This decline also aligns with a growing awareness among Americans of the health implications associated with alcohol consumption, which correlates with a noticeable drop in beer sales reported by the Brewers Association.

Throughout history, beer has held a significant place in the fabric of American society. George Washington even ensured his troops received a quart of beer with their rations during the Revolutionary War. His legacy as a brewmaster is documented in his handwritten recipes, available for viewing at the New York Public Library.

As for present-day recommendations, the Beer Institute advocates "low and slow" consumption of alcoholic beverages, promoting moderation as a means to achieve responsible drinking and greater public health awareness.

For further insights on beer consumption patterns, the complete study can be accessed here.

According to a recent analysis by Innerbody, Michelob Ultra has emerged as the most popular beer in the United States, leading in Google search interest. The report also highlights other top contenders, including Bud Light, Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Guinness. Michelob Ultra is notably the most searched beer in Alabama, Nevada, and Oklahoma.

The analysis evaluated Google Trends data for 36 significant beer brands across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., over one year. It reflects search interest rather than actual sales. Despite its popularity, many individual states show strong preferences for local beers. For instance, Colorado favors Fat Tire, Massachusetts is inclined towards Samuel Adams, and Wisconsin enjoys Miller Lite.

Stella Artois stands out as the beer most loved across multiple states, being the top search in 12 states, including Florida and New York. It traces back to its roots in Belgium and is particularly popular in warmer regions.

Guinness, while different as a stout, ranks fifth and boasts a solid fan base on the East Coast, leading searches in states such as New Jersey and Maryland. Other local favorites highlighted in the report involve Hamm’s in Minnesota, Budweiser in Missouri, and Rainier Beer in Washington.

The full list of the most popular beers by state showcases various regional preferences alongside the national favorites. For those interested in the beer landscape across the U.S., this analysis offers a vibrant overview of how different brews resonate with various localities.

For detailed insights on each state’s most searched beer, you can find the full report from Innerbody here.

Samuel Adams is celebrating the return of Oktoberfest with a unique twist: the Front Yard Beer Hall, a life-size inflatable structure that allows beer lovers to recreate the festive atmosphere of Munich’s Oktoberfest right in their own yards. This innovative addition will be available starting September 1, for both direct purchase and through a sweepstakes where participants can win an oversized version of the hall.

The Front Yard Beer Hall is designed for social gatherings, perfect for home Oktoberfest parties, barbecues, and tailgates. It can be purchased for $199 at samueladams.com/beerhall while supplies last or entered to win the sweepstakes until September 15, 2026.

In addition to the inflatable hall, Samuel Adams is launching their iconic Octoberfest beer and debuting a new Non-Alcoholic Octoberfest along with an Apple Spice Ale. These brews will be featured in a limited Fall Legends Variety Pack that includes Octoberfest, Jack-O pumpkin ale, and Harvest Helles.

The Legendary Fall Line-Up:

• Octoberfest (5.3% ABV): A smooth Märzen with rich malt and caramel notes, a seasonal favorite.
• NON-Alcoholic Octoberfest: Offers the same flavor as the original with less than 0.5% alcohol.
• NEW Apple Spice Ale (5.0% ABV): Features apple and seasonal spices for a refreshing taste.
• Jack-O (4.4% ABV): A pumpkin ale with spices and a hint of citrus.
• Harvest Helles (5.4% ABV): A crisp lager with bright citrus notes.

The Fall Legends Variety Pack is available now in 12-packs ($15.99-$17.99) and 24-packs ($27.99-$29.99) at retailers nationwide.

To find these offerings, check out samueladams.com/find-a-sam for availability. For more details, visit SamuelAdams.com.