The American Brew Toasts America's Favorite Beverage

The rich history of America’s favorite beverage of moderation is being brought to life in a new documentary commissioned by Anheuser-Busch as part of the brewer’s “Here’s To Beer” campaign, a grassroots effort to remind consumers of the social value of beer.

From colonial settlers to the rise of microbrewers and developments in brewing technologies, this film explores the evolution of beer throughout the centuries and paints a vivid picture of the rich traditions of the American beer story.

Produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Roger Sherman, “The American Brew” aired on Saturday, April 7, one of the most significant days in beer history – the repeal of Prohibition, the day when beer lovers in the United States were finally able to toast their good times with a beer after being deprived of legal alcohol for 13 years. This year marks the 74th anniversary of the repeal. Beginning April 9, DVD copies of the film will be available for sale in bars and taverns across the country and on www.herestobeer.com.

Beer is an integral part of American culture and history and this film offers the perfect medium to showcase the rich traditions of its story. The story is told through interviews and scenes that mix history with present day stories.

You'll get to see everything from beer being brewed in a fireplace in colonial Williamsburg to 20-foot hop vines in northern Idaho. In addition, you’ll learn how your taste buds are a thousand times more sensitive than the most high tech taste-testing machine and get a behind?the-scenes look at judging beer at the World Beer Cup in Seattle.

“The American Brew” is a production of Florentine Films/Sherman Pictures LLC. Producer, director and cinematographer Roger Sherman’s documentaries have received a variety of honors including a Peabody Award, an Emmy Award and two Academy Award nominations. Sherman founded Florentine Films with fellow filmmakers Ken Burns and Buddy Squires and celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2006.

You’ll be able to purchase “The American Brew” DVD at beer stores and taverns across the country. The special-edition DVD includes 42 minutes of extra footage and interviews.

For more information on “The American Brew” and “Here’s To Beer” visit www.herestobeer.com. Redesigned in March, the site brings more original content for adults including humorous short films about famous people in history who enjoyed beer, tips on becoming a beer connoisseur and lists of upcoming beer events across the country.

So be on the lookout for the new documentary “The American Brew” and toast the film with an ice-cold beer.

Thanks for choosing beer!

Bob Lachky