International Beer Day

International Beer Day History

International Beer Day (IBD) is a global celebration that recognises the art and craft of brewing, and seeks to promote the enjoyment of beer across the world. The key aims of this event are to gather friends and family together, toast to brewers and enjoy the various unique flavours of beer present in different regions. This annual observance also aims to enhance global appreciation and understanding of the rich heritage surrounding fermented barley beverages.

The genesis of International Beer Day can be traced back to 2007 in Santa Cruz, California. The celebration has since grown, now reaching over 200 cities across the globe, including many in the United Kingdom. For the British audience, IBD provides an opportunity to showcase the nation's long and proud history of brewing and to explore the diverse range of British beer styles, such as real ales, imperial stouts, and regional varieties such as Scottish ales or London porters.

In the United Kingdom, enthusiasts across the nation observe the day by visiting local pubs and breweries to hosting beer-themed parties or sampling craft beer at home. The growing number of breweries and beer festivals across the UK testifies to the significance of beer culture within the nation. On International Beer Day, locals and tourists alike are encouraged to appreciate and partake in the enduring British brewing tradition. International Beer Day is observed annually on August 4th.

International Beer Day facts

• International Beer Day began in Santa Cruz, California, 2007. It was founded by beer enthusiasts, Jesse Avshalomov and Evan Hamilton.
• As far back as ancient Egypt, beer was a staple food. Known as Hqt, heqet or heket, beer was a thick and sweet source of nutrition including vitamins, minerals and protein that was consumed daily by adults and children.
• For every 50,000 people in the UK, there is one brewery.
• Traditional British beer is known as "ale," which is brewed using a warm fermentation process. Ale is typically more robust and flavorful than lager, with higher alcohol content.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Beer Day

Top things to do in the UK for International Beer Day

• Visit your local watering hole and try a new beer that you have never had.
• Try an international award-winning beer. The International Brewing Awards are recognize outstanding achievements in the brewing industry. The winners for 2015 include:
  1. Champion Dark Beer - Black Butte Porter, Deschutes Brewery Inc., Oregon, USA
  2. Champion Strong Beer - Brugse Zot Dubbel, Brouwerij De Halve Maan, Bruges, Belgium
  3. Champion Specialty Beer - Red Chair NWPA, Deschutes Brewery Inc., Oregon, USA
  4. Champion Keg Ale - Revisionist Rye Pale Ale, Marston’s PLC, Wolverhampton, UK
• Check out a homebrewing workshop. Some breweries or beer shops may offer homebrewing workshops in honor of International Beer Day, allowing participants to learn how to make their own beer at home.
• Breweries and pubs across the UK celebrate International Beer Day by offering special deals, tastings, or themed parties. Be sure to check out your local watering hole for specific festivities.