From Steinbeck's visionary descriptions of the beautiful California Salinas Valley, to Lee's social commentary on the plight of the deep rooted injustice in Alabama - classic American literature has proven to be some of the best in the history of the world. While one may be quick to dismiss American literature as something written purely for college academia or worse yet high school classes. There is actually a much deeper intrinsic value one can associate with it. When you read a piece of an American classic, you delve deeper into both raw and hidden commentary on society. Yet, like every piece of art, it is much more enjoyable with the cool taste of NoCoast alongside.
Read on for our NoCoast and American literature Pairings.
Catcher in the Rye | Agricultured
While some may view Catcher in the Rye as both a coming of age novel and the struggles of the children of high society, others may see it as a pompous piece of self righteous indignation. In any event the story of Holden Caulfield as told through JD Salinger is a quintessential piece of American literature, whose controversy can lead to hours of discussion. For an intellectual book you need to treat yourself to an intellectual beer. Agricultured is a rye porter with a dark aroma and a strong rye finish. The complexity is evident with the undertones of coffee and cocoa. This beer and book are best enjoyed by a roaring fire and a nice steak dinner. This is a can't go wrong combination.
Best quote: “I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot. ”
The Great Gatsby | Low Brow
The Great Gatsby is regarded as not only an amazing piece of American literature that you will be sure to find in virtually every single academic institution, but one of the greatest objective looks at the roaring 20's, prohibition, and the rise leading up to the fall of the American economy. The Great Gatsby follows the life of New York socialites and social climbers, including the narrator (a writer named Nick Carraway) and the Great Gatsby himself, Jay Gatsby. While parts of this book are hard to digest the majority of it is easy to read, although rich with symbolism. To compliment this piece of art we recommend pairing it with the Low Brow. The Low Brow not only represents the social high life of the Gatsby era, but the light alcohol content takes away some of the bitterness.
Best quote: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
East of Eden | Trend Bucker
In high school we all remember the looks on our peers face as the librarian handed us the behemoth that is East of Eden. The long exposition, descriptive imagery, and biblical allegory may seem daunting; yet one cannot ignore the fact that this is easily one of the greatest stories of American literature. This story follows a family in the Salinas valley and their growth over the 19th and 20th century. Including their involvement in major wars, finance trends, all while drawing allegories to Adam the first men and his children Cain and Able. For a deep book such as this, you need to drink a deep beer. The Trend Bucker is a rich beer, with a high ABV and lots of complex flavors. Its cherry aroma gives it a sweet taste, while not overpowering its mature flavor. This pairing will be sure to make for a fun night.
Best quote: “All great and precious things are lonely."
In the words of the great Ray Bradbury, “Beer’s intellectual. What a shame so many idiots drink it."
