Beer has a very long history, long before Europeans brought their versions of it to the New World. In fact, the origins of beer, and other spirits, are basically lost in the mists of time. But in the recent past, there were some differences in how beer was brewed, and what was added, both as flavorings and preservatives. Hops, for example, are a fairly recent addition, which kept beer drinkable for longer, which meant it could be transported further away from where it was brewed. Other types of beers originated in different areas of Europe, for various reasons. When people from these different areas then immigrated to the Americas, they brought their beer preferences with them.
The early colonists drank beer because it was a healthier drink than water, especially than the water they had been drinking in England. In early New England, beers tended to be more local, and brewed by alewives. In New Netherland, by contrast, breweries tended to be large, commercial operations, which earned fortunes for several early Dutch families. Beer in Pennsylvania tended to be darker and more malty, for example. In the South, they didn’t have the traditional ingredients for beer, so they either imported it, or made do. The South eventually did learn how to make distilled spirits, however, which upended the beer market, for a time. Midwestern beers were heavily influenced by later German immigrants. This actually somewhat saved the beer market from the distilled spirits.
As the population moved west, the settlers encountered challenges to beer brewing, including a lack of the usual ingredients, and temperatures that were too warm for some types of brewing. They responded by utilizing other ingredients. Corn, for example, was even used by most indigenous cultures to brew an alcoholic beverage since ancient times. The Prohibition years knocked small breweries for a loop. The large breweries survived, and were then able to dominate the market after repeal. The craft beer movement, which started in California, has brought in a number of new, smaller breweries, and an ever expanding choice of beers.
If this was your family, how would you research them? Did any of your ancestors own, or work in, a brewery or distillery? Check probate inventories in early years to see if any brewing equipment is listed, such as large pots or vats. In later years, check directories, which might list their occupation, and would probably list local breweries. Of course, later censuses will also list an occupation. Even if they weren’t brewing beer, or other spirits, odds are they were drinking it!