• Holly and Jason Larson, head brewer at Ex Novo

    Ex Novo’s tap room exclusive Corrales Light: It is crisp and light, with an impressive 5.3% ABV. You can drink them all afternoon.

 

 

Editors note: Holly Byrd will write a weekly Beer Journey column for the Observer. She will give readers a taste of various brews and RR brewpubs. Come back next week for her second column.

 

Since this weekend is the Fourth of July, it seems only appropriate for our beer journey to make a stop at the American Lager.

To understand the art of the American Lager, we first must understand the history behind the style.

When Germans came to America, they brought their vast beer knowledge with them. Lagers were made and consumed all over America.

From 1920 until 1933, there was a constitutional ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in America. This was referred to as Prohibition. When Prohibition was lifted by the passage of the 21st amendment, finding barley was difficult and expensive for the breweries.

American brewers discovered that they could use corn as well as barley, and the “adjunct lager” or American lager was born.

This way was not only more affordable, but also boosted the American economy.

The excitement of Americans to get their hands on a cold one meant beer sales were at an all-time high. This also meant that more corn was bought, and jobs were created.

American lagers are still popular, no matter if you are a commercial beer drinker or a craft beer enthusiast, it still reigns supreme across the board of American beer styles.

This style is one of my personal favorites for its drinkability and during the summer months it’s refreshing qualities are much appreciated.

If you are looking for a local American lager, Ex Novo’s tap room exclusive Corrales Light, is a great option. It is crisp and light, with an impressive 5.3% ABV. You can drink them all afternoon.

Now when you drink this style, you can feel as though you are drinking a glass of American History.