Texas Brew Review: Celebrating American craft beers for the Fourth of July

On this most American of weekends, it’s become understood that celebrating our country’s independence goes with raising a beer or two in revelry. And over the next several days, you will surely see your fair share of Budweiser cans and bottles emblazoned with stars and stripes. Those labels have become as synonymous with July 4 as hot dogs and fireworks.

There’s only one problem: Budweiser hasn’t been a truly American product for seven years. Sold to Belgian/Brazilian conglomerate Inbev in 2008, Anheuser-Busch traded in the authenticity that once made those American flag cans really mean something.

Lest this all become negative and depressing, we offer some replacements from the craft world to replace the so-called King of Beers. These may not have the American flag on the label, but the liquid inside is 100 percent, bald-eagle approved. And, for this week at least, I’m straying outside the borders of Texas.

This list is made up of beers that are commonly available throughout the country year-round and are American styles or uniquely American takes on a style. There are arguably better American beers available, but these are everywhere, original and great.

Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale

The American Pale Ale is an iconic style. Bold hops with balanced malt make this one of the most commonly made styles in the U.S. It takes Americans’ love of hops and makes it more drinkable. Perhaps the greatest illustration of this is Dale’s Pale Ale by Oskar Blues Brewery. It’s the flagship beer of the Colorado brewery and helped introduce the world to canned craft beer. Now it seems like everyone is canning craft, but Oskar Blues was the pioneer and Dale’s was its leader. It’s citrusy, floral, malty and wonderful. Dale’s is a true American classic, and its red-white-and-blue can seals it. brew.oskarblues.com.

Honorable mention: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Stone IPA

California’s Stone Brewing Co. makes no bones about its opinion of itself. Brash, bold and in your face, Stone has always made a point of brewing beers that challenge. Creators of Arrogant Bastard Ale — a beer whose label reads “This is an aggressive ale. You probably won’t like it.” — Stone embodies the attitude that many associate with Americans.

Although Arrogant Bastard might be more iconic, it’s Stone’s IPA that is the crown jewel. American India pale ales are hop-forward and assertive with pronounced bitterness. In a market flooded with IPAs, it’s tough to find a standout, but Stone IPA could very well be it. stonebrewing.com.

Honorable mention: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Anchor Steam

When Fritz Maytag bought the historic Anchor Brewery in 1965, American beer was in a sad, bland state. Maytag sought to change that, and among other styles like porter and IPA, Maytag proliferated a classic American style called “steam beer.” Named after a West Coast process from the late 1800s and early 1900s, Anchor Steam is malty and crisp with a snappy dry finish. It’s full-bodied but drinkable — truly unlike any other beer.

Largely known as the original American craft brewery, Anchor has been leading the charge for American craft brewing for 50 years now, and Anchor Steam is its classic. anchorbrewing.com.

New Belgium Fat Tire

Like many of New Belgium Brewing’s beers, Fat Tire is Belgian-inspired but truly American. An American amber ale, this beer has quietly crept into American consciousness and is one of the most widely available craft beers in the country. Airports, water parks and stadiums: You name it, Fat Tire is there. For that reason, it’s become easy to take it for granted.

It’s on the lighter side of American ambers, but its biscuity finish and medium body make it distinctive, refreshing and satisfying. One of the most versatile beers on the market, Fat Tire is great for hot days, cold days and everything in between.

Fat Tire shows that American beer can be nuanced and interesting without being overly aggressive. Its place in American brewing is inarguable. newbelgium.com.

Quick Sips

Red White and Brew seems to be everywhere. In a stroke of coincidence (or just predictable copywriting), there are about a half-dozen events this weekend titled “Red, White and Brew.” Some highlights include Dallas’ Noble Rey’s grand opening party from noon to 10 p.m. July 4 and Addison’s Bitter Sisters Brewery that will host visitors from 4 to 11 p.m. July 3 with views of the local fireworks show. www.noblereybrewing.com; bittersistersbrewery.com Meanwhile, Shannon Brewing in Keller will host its first Fourth of July Sparkler Spectacular Saturday with live music, barbecue, and a beer-related kickball game with kegs on the field. Sparklers, watermelon and lemonade are available for kids. shannonbrewing.com.

This story was originally published June 30, 2015 at 5:08 PM with the headline "Texas Brew Review: Celebrating American craft beers for the Fourth of July."