BEER LOVERS of the world rejoice!
Because today, August 7, is officially International Beer Day.
Essentially Christmas for beer lovers the world over, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a pint or two at home or in the company of friends in person or online.
Despite copious beer drinking being a favourite pastime of Irish pub dwellers all over the Emerald Isle, International Beer Day actually originates from the US.
It all started out in Santa Cruz, California, where a few local enthusiasts came up with the concept of a Beer Day designed to celebrate not only the craft of brewing but the efforts of all involved in the making of beer.
That appreciation has extended in the years since to a celebration of bar staff and other beer technicians responsible for keeping glasses full.
From those humble beginnings in 2007, Beer Day ended up going International, with festivities held on the first Friday in August across 207 cities, 50 countries and on six continents.
According to the organisers of International Beer Day, the event has three declared purposes:
- To gather with friends and enjoy the taste of beer.
- To celebrate those responsible for brewing and serving beer.
- To unite the world under the banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations together on a single day.
This year’s event is particularly poignant given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has not only decimated the lives of millions but had a hugely negative impact on the beer industry as a whole.
International Beer Day offers a chance to celebrate the brilliance of brewing in its many forms and an opportunity to meet up with friends and give something back to the pubs and breweries striving on through these testing times.
A unique chance to bring the world together under the banner of beer, fans are invited to raise their glasses and toast to friends, family and the wider world.
We may be divided by lockdowns, closures and illness, but together we’ll get through all of this and one day reunite in a pub, bar or back garden for a few well-earned cold ones.
Sláinte!
