#beer-history

#beer-history

The coldest months are peak season for winter beers, a slightly amorphous category defined by production date, alcohol content and spice flavors that can resemble a mincemeat pie. Enjoyed hundreds of years ago in societies such as English and Norse, these tipples fell into a lag only to see a resurgence in the 1970s as winter warmers or Christmas beers. They became a hit in the U.S. after San Francisco's Anchor Brewing released its Christmas ale in 1975, and today include the likes of Sierra Nevada's Celebration IPA, Allagash Brewing's Ski House and Deschutes Brewery's Jubelale.

Beyond the obvious hat, there's the now-closed, legendary Brown Derby restaurant chain, one of Old Hollywood stars' favorite eateries. There's the cocktail made in tribute to that restaurant by a neighboring venue called the Brown Derby - one of the best, not-so-sweet bourbon cocktails, it's still a classic today. And then, there's the beer. Like the restaurant, Brown Derby pilsner is no longer with us, but it still holds a place in many beer lovers' hearts.

Martyn Cornell's book Porter and Stout: A Complete History, which covers 300 years and 56 countries, was published just three days after his death.

"Jack was truly an American original. Before him, starting a brewery from scratch was thought impossible. After him, 10,000 people have done it."