Last week, beer aficionados had ample reason to raise a glass in celebration, with National Beer Day and National Brew Year's Eve marking a special occasion dedicated to one of humanity's oldest and most revered beverages. According to FOX San Antonio, San Antonio's local breweries stepped up with an array of top-rated brews, featuring everything from malty pilsners to wine barrel-aged ales.

From Alamo Beer Company's Golden Ale to Weathered Souls Brewing Co.'s MALTerial Girl, the variety on display was indicative of a city deeply engaged with craft beer culture. One standout, according to FOX San Antonio, was Vanilla Joe Stout from Black Laboratory Brewing, a rich concoction brewed with Costa Rican coffee and Mexican vanilla. Meanwhile, leave your average IPA in the dust and try Busted Sandal Brewing Company's Slippery Rock IPA, which punches with a citrus hop and a caramel twist.

The day wasn't just celebrated with San Antonio favorites, however. A Minneapolis columnist shared his 'six-pack of mostly local brews' to toast the occasion. The list included gems such as Summit Extra Pale Ale, a St. Paul brewery's English-style pale ale, and Big Hearted Ale from Michigan-based Bell's – a bold 9.5% IPA oozing with citrus hop flavor. In detailing these choices, the Star Tribune highlighted the variety and depth that the craft beer scene brings to eager palates everywhere.

Whether it was revolutionary plotting or simply the joy of a shared pint, beer's place in history stands unchallenged. In San Antonio and beyond, it appears that the legacy of beer continues to inspire the creation of flavors and experiences as diverse as the people who enjoy them. So with the venerable National Beer Day now past, the sentiment seems to be that every day's a good day for a beer, especially when it’s a brew steeped in local tradition or a fresh take on a classic.