Contrary to popular belief, Ben Franklin never said, “God made beer because he loves us and wants us to be happy.” The Founding Father was actually talking about wine back in 1779.
That does not, however, mean the oft-misattributed statement is untrue. Especially on National Beer Day.
National Beer Day is celebrated every April 7 in honor of the Cullen-Harrison Act going into effect, which legalized selling drinks with up to 3.2 percent alcohol back in 1933 and put prohibition in its grave later that year.
It’s a very Virginia holiday. Richmonder Justin Smith started National Beer Day in 2009. It was later, officially, recognized by former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and entered into the Congressional Record by Rep. Dave Brat in 2017. The Virginia General Assembly recognized it in 2018.
As such, here’s a properly attributed quote from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt after he signed the Cullen-Harrison Act: “I think this would be a good time for a beer.”
Check out where to celebrate National Beer Day in Northern Virginia on Friday.
Assembly with Aslin Beer Co.
Assembly is hosting a “Tap Takeover” from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Aslin Beer Co., which will feature the release of Aslin’s West-Coast Style IPA, Clear Nights. DJ Gracigrace provides the soundtrack. 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington
Bunnyman Brewing
The taproom at Fairfax’s Bunnyman Brewery, named for the local urban legend, will be open until 10 p.m. for National Beer Day. 5583 Guinea Rd., Fairfax
Water’s End Brewery
The Lake Ridge and Potomac Mills taprooms from Water’s End are giving away HopDrop stickers when you pick up a six-pack to celebrate Beer Day. 12425 Dillingham Sq., Lake Ridge; 14397 Potomac Mills Rd., Woodbridge
Ale Trail Brewery Tour in Loudoun
Pedego Electric Bikes in Leesburg has self-guided tours along the W&OD Trail with stops at breweries. Reservations must be made in advance, and it’s $95 per rider. 412 Madison Trade Plz. SE,
Leesburg
Leesburg Brewery Crawl
Loudoun County wants you to celebrate National Beer Day with a brewery crawl through downtown Leesburg. Multiple locations
As always, be safe and drink responsibly.
Feature image courtesy minastefanovic/stock.adobe.com
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