Beer Researcher - A Brief History of Beer

The History of Beer (excerpt from Chapter One of; The Beer Researcher)

Before distilled alcohol there was beer.

Before naturally hardened cider, there was beer, even before early-civilized culture discovered the joy and pleasure of wine, there was beer . Archaeologists in ancient, Assyria (Iraq), Mesopotamia and Egypt have unearthed deep pits that were use to store grains. Throughout the winter and spring, rain and melting snow in the mountainous areas would seep down through the grain leaving a naturally fermented beverage at the bottom, BEER!

Consider the suggestion that beer may have been made 19,000 years ago, albeit accidentally by a natural fermentation process during the Neolithic Period. Beer may even predate bread. Traces of wild barley dated from 17,000 BC have been discovered. So we know our ancient ancestors possessed a necessary ingredient for brewing. The earliest words about beer, thus far is from Sumeria, in ancient Mesopotamia, 10,000 years ago. Beer played an important role in Sumerian life and is mentioned in many contexts relating to religion, medicine and myth. Sacred books reveal that beer played an important role in Chinese religious rituals. It is fascinating to contemplate the existence of beer in the Middle East, Europe, Scandinavia, Northern Africa and Asia tens of thousands of years ago. Did the secrets of beer making travel throughout the world from ancient explorers? Was this an indication of early man’s resourcefulness to scientifically replicate what he noticed occurring in nature? Or perhaps the creation of beer involved divine intervention. These are some of the marvelous mysteries for beer researchers to ponder…and it is best to ponder with well-made beer in hand.

Did Jesus turn water into “beer” instead of “wine” at the wedding feast in Cana (Canaan) of Galilee? Did Noah have beer aboard his Ark? What rules did King Henry the 8th decree about beer that still stands today? Aristotle, Julius Caesar, The Pharoses, The Pilgrims, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Payne, Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Adams are significantly linked to beer.

If we are all “Researching” Beer, we will all become more discerning and appreciative of one of nature’s true gifts of life. Beer will become as acceptable as fine wine or single malt scotch in top restaurants. The law, the public and the snobs of society will eventually come to their senses and realize that beer is or can be a highly refined and respectable beverage. Yes, it's an awesome goal, but fellow beer researchers, we can do it! The tide is turning!