What to drink to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the repeal of prohibtion
Today, Dec. 5, is the 75th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. Say hallelujah!
Prohibition ended in phases, with the beer taps re-opening in April 1933 and hootch following in December.
H. L. Mencken -- remember him, a real newspaper guy? -- celebrated the return of legal beer in Maryland in April by posing for a photo at the Rennert Hotel, at Saratoga and Liberty streets, and downing a mug of beer. His verdict: "Pretty good; not bad at all."
The nation officially said good-bye to prohibition that December, when Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.
I wonder how we, as heirs of Mencken, can follow in his footsteps.
Any ideas?
What should we drink? What should we say in our toast?
One other bit of housekeeping: A spinning bottle of Snow Goose -- a very nice holiday brew -- predicted a win for the Redskins over the Ravens this weekend.
I think I will drink another Snow Goose, in honor of the repeal, and make a toast to the demise of Washington.
Comments
How about Great Lakes Eliot Ness? A superb Vienna lager with a Prohibition connection.
Posted by: Hunter | December 5, 2008 12:43 PM
I suggest a Utica Club beer. I visited the Saranac/Matt Brewery in Utica, NY last year during Cal's HOF induction and was informed by the Matt family that Utica Club was the first beer to hit the market after prohibition was repealed.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | December 5, 2008 12:43 PM
I've seen a bunch of Dewar's ads promoting the consumption of that spirit for Repeal Day. Scotch may not be a bad idea, but I'd rather drink at least Johnny Walker.
Maybe a Victory Storm King? Sam Adams Chocolate Stout?
Posted by: Grant | December 5, 2008 12:59 PM
I know Capital City Brewery used to brew a Prohibition Porter,since they've left the Inner Harbor i don't know where we would get one,but it was good!
Posted by: Don | December 5, 2008 2:07 PM
Great question. I might start with a shot of Pikesville Rye, which used to be brewed here in Mobtown, and then pop open a big bottle of Ale to the Chief that I've been saving since summer. I'll toast Mencken's ghost with the rye (and a wry smile and wink), and tipple the beer in salute to our new prez and in honor of this great date in history. Cheers!
Posted by: Henry Mortimer | December 5, 2008 4:01 PM