Lotte Peplow, the Brewers Association’s American craft beer ambassador for Europe, is excited about the new range of high quality, innovative American craft beers available in the UK for Independence Day.
It’s American Independence Day on Tuesday, 4th July, and this year beer lovers can celebrate with genuine, authentic, independent American craft beer freshly shipped to the UK and available nationwide in Home Bargains (large and extra-large stores only) throughout July.
Six American craft breweries and 14 different beers, eight of which are making their UK debuts, are featured in an exclusive new promotion with Home Bargains. They comprise the biggest, most comprehensive range of American craft beers currently available in the UK. I’m super-excited about this promotion because it’s a wonderful opportunity to sample top-quality, incredible tasting American craft beer that’s rarely available in the UK. Look out for the ‘Celebrate Independence’ promotion on gondola ends in Home Bargains, while stocks last.
The breweries participating are:
- Cruz Blanca Brewery, Chicago
- DC Brau Brewing Co, Washington DC
- Millhouse Brewing Co, Ploughkeepsie
- Saugatuck Brewing Co, Douglas
- Tailgate Brewery, Nashville
- Virginia Beer Co, Williamsburg
Once stocked up, why not try your hand at American-themed beer and food pairings for the true Independence Day experience. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Barbecue-style meats, such as pulled pork, ribs, brisket or burgers
Load with toppings or sauce, but remember the strong, intense flavours of red meat will work best with a porter, stout, or brown ale that exhibits a similar level of intensity. Grilling meat encourages the Maillard reaction, ie caramelisation of the surface, also found in roasted malts used in dark beers. Pairing suggestion: 2023 World Beer Cup award-winning DC Brau Penn Quarter Porter.
Fried chicken
Pair with an American IPA containing a high level of bitterness that will cut through the fried batter. The more hot and spicy the fried chicken, the more intense you can go with the beer. Pair with Cruz Blanca Palm Shade IPA, Virginia Beer Co Gorgeous Citra IPA, DC Brau The Corruption IPA or In Session IPA.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese
A perennial favourite among Americans and the perfect partner for a crisp, snappy pilsner. The high carbonation and subtle bready flavour notes of the beer will cut through the rich dairy content of the sauce, leaving you refreshed and
craving another bite. Cruz Blanca Mexico Calling lager is the perfect match. Other typical side dishes include potato salad and coleslaw. They also work well with lagers.
S’mores
A typically American sweet treat of marshmallow and chocolate, sandwiched between two Graham crackers (flat, hard, cinnamon flavoured biscuits) and perfect paired with a smooth, silky, full-bodied stout. Add a complementary sweet-flavoured stout and you’ll have a match made in heaven! Try Saugatuck Neapolitan Milk Stout or their Blueberry Maple Stout, and, if you love nuts, Tailgate Peanut Butter Milk Stout or the ultimate American combo, Tailgate Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly Milk Stout!
Cherry/apple pie or cheesecake
Pair with a beer that’s tart and tangy, with a hint of acidity to balance the rich, sweetness of the dessert, and finish on a lighter note by contrasting a fruit-based beer such as Virginia Beer Co Saving Daylight Citrus Wheat or Tailgate Orange Wheat.
If you simply need a refreshing beer to kick back and enjoy the long hot days of summer, try Millhouse Cucumber Blessings or Saugatuck Blueberry Lemonade Shandy.
For authentic American recipes to complete the US theme, go to CraftBeer.com for a wealth of delicious and easy-to-make examples.
All the beers mentioned above are available at Home Bargains. Other American craft beers are available from online retailers such as Athletic Brewing, Sierra Nevada shop, Beers of Europe, Beer Merchants, Beer Gonzo, House of Trembling Madness, various bottle shops, off-licences, online subscription services, and supermarkets, and select pubs and bars.
The Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus US breweries. Its independent craft brewer seal is a widely-adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organises events including the World Beer Cup, Great American Beer Festival, Craft Brewers Conference, and BrewExpo America, Homebrew Con, National Homebrew Competition, and American Craft Beer Week. The BA publishes The New Brewer magazine, and Brewers Publications is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the US. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association and the free Brew Guru mobile app.
About the author
Lotte Peplow is the American craft beer ambassador for Europe for the Brewers Association, and is based in London. She is a certified cicerone, BDI accredited beer sommelier, beer writer, author, beer communicator, international beer judge, homebrewer, and beer lover.
