Beer is widely enjoyed by people all over the world. But, did you know that beer brew is one of the oldest processes? In fact, ever since 6000 BC, barley grain has already been cultivated by the Ancient Egyptians and Babylonians. The initial brew was by accident when barley loaves were left out in the rain and it fermented. It was flavored with dates and honey and was soon drunk. Beer was enjoyed by ancient Egyptians that it was also being used as a currently. Unfortunately, the spread of Islam in 800AD has destroyed the process of Egyptian brewing.
Though the most popular beer producing countries nowadays in Europe are Germany and Czech Republic, the Romans were the ones who spread the knowledge of beer brew to the rest of the continent. Beer is not only regarded as a drink for parties and special occasions. In fact, it was useful as a source of liquid during the time of the Black Death when there was a water borne disease epidemic in Britain.
During 1516, two Bavarian Dukes named Ludwig X and Wilhelm IV changed the way beer brew was processed with the German Purity Law. This law states that in brewing beer, only water, hops, yeast and barley will be used. Up to the present time, some breweries still comply with the German Purity Law.
Because of the industrial revolution, there were many large breweries that were constructed in England. It paved the way for a better understanding of beer brew with analysis of the process of fermentation like the work carried out by famed scientist, Louis Pasteur. Yeast was then also cultivated to new specialized forms which allowed production with a variety of the kinds of beers and lagers.
Nowadays, home brew has made it possible for homeowners to enjoy brew all year round in their own homes. Its legalization 1978 in United Kingdom has increased the citizen’s love for beers. Indeed, beer has come a long way from its humble accidental beginnings into something that the whole world enjoys.
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