Oldest Known Recipe: Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world, with a recipe dating back about 5,000 years to ancient Sumerians. They had a hymn to the goddess Ninkasi, who was the deity of brewing, which doubled as a recipe for making beer!
Babylonians produced over 20 different types of beer around 3,000 BCE. The Code of Hammurabi, the ancient Babylonian set of laws, decreed a daily ration to citizens.
In the Middle Ages, it was often safer to drink than water. Water sources could be contaminated, but the fermentation process of brewing beer killed off harmful bacteria, making it a safer choice.
The foam, or “head,” isn’t just for show.
It actually enhances the drinking experience by releasing aromas. A beer without foam can taste flat, as the aromas won’t be as noticeable.
All beers are classified as either ales or lagers, depending on the type of yeast and fermentation process. Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures with top-fermenting yeast, while lagers use a cooler process and bottom-fermenting yeast.
It Was Once Used as Currency: In ancient Egypt, workers who built the pyramids were often paid in beer—around four liters a day. It was both sustenance and compensation!
Beer is Healthy (In Moderation): It has nutrients like B vitamins, potassium, and even some fiber. Moderate consumption has been linked to benefits such as a reduced risk of heart disease. But, of course, moderation is key!
Bottles vs. Cans: Although glass bottles have long been the go-to, beer cans are actually better at protecting the beer from light and air, which can alter flavor. Many craft breweries are now choosing cans over bottles for this reason.
Some rare beers can be quite pricey. BrewDog’s “The End of History,” for example, was sold in limited edition bottles made from taxidermied animals (ethically sourced) and had a whopping 55% alcohol content, selling for around $20,000!
