Obama's hoppy beer connection

March 12, 3:54 PMChicago Craft Beer ExaminerAaron Wardell

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February 27th: Obama orders a controversial beer at the Bulls vs. Wizards game

The popularity of Barack Obama has spilled over into the craft beer world.

A recent photo of President Obama enjoying a pint at an NBA game raised a few heads recently.  Some people think it's a crime for a President to take the edge off with a cold brewsky in times of economic turmoil.  Others are more sympathetic, arguing that the rigors of his job allow for a drink once in awhile.  Speaking of rigor, speculation was high that George Bush was hitting the bottle pretty heavily toward the end, although I don't think many of us can imagine being President without a fully stocked bar and a kegerator in the Lincoln Bedroom.  
 

Obama endorses Yuengling in Latrobe, PA

 The connection between the President and craft beer has an interesting history.  There is already at least one commemorative beer named after him, "The Audacity of Hops", a craft beer brewed with ingredients like DC tap water, Progress Hops and Hawaiian coffee. Even before Obama's 2004 election to the US Senate, East African Breweries Limited released a popular brew simply known as "Obama" to its loyal Kenyan drinkers.    

The Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau has made sure that Obama's name is not used without permission. Red Hook-based Sixpoint Craft Ales had their "Hop Obama" beer pulled from production by the feds, even after most of it was hastily consumed on election night at local bars.  Ommegang, a New York brewery, also ran into problems when they tried to name their Belgian brown ale "Obamagang" in honor of inauguration night.  
 

Taste-testing in Bethlehem, PA

"I'm always good for a beer," Obama recently told reporters in a response regarding a drink with conservative pundit Sean Hannity.  Numerous pictures have surfaced of Obama drinking beer on the campaign trail, further evidence that Barack is not above toasting a cold one with voters. For a leader who identifies so well with blue-collar workers and the "common man", is it any wonder why beer is his drink of choice while enjoying himself at a sporting event?  Whatever side of the political aisle you represent, most can agree that it's important for our Commander-in-Chief to relax once in awhile.  Bottoms up, Mr. President.