Racism, Brewing, and Drinking in US History

Abstract

This chapter discusses how the search for the origins of beer and brewing in the United States has been hampered by the realities of the racial, gendered, and classed inequalities that created the United States in the first place. It integrates an overview of the deep history of beer in the US context, largely from 1587 until the end of Prohibition. Along the way, the chapter illuminates and critiques the 'origin stories' of beer. It uncovers some stories that have been long buried, asking questions that have not been adequately asked up until now. This deep history reveals some mythological stories as well as the old narratives that have served to cover up a full knowledge of race, racism, and beer, many of which the new narratives being pushed by contemporary brewers, beer lovers, and industry folks of color, though few and far between, continue to fight.