If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably got some interest in beer – or at the very least, a curiosity about it. Well you’re in luck! At Brightside Brewing, we know a thing or two about beer and we’ve put together a list of 20 interesting facts about beer.
Snake Venom is recognised as the strongest beer in the world. At 67.5% ABV, it’s sure to put hairs on your chest. It even comes with its own warning, though with such a high alcohol content, whether it is genuinely a beer is debatable!
Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Ireland is the oldest pub in the world. Dating back more than 1100 years ago, the pub is still pulling pints today.
Beer in it’s most simple form has been brewed for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found evidence of beer production in Mesopotamia (modern day Middle East), dating back to around 5,000 years ago [source: history.com].
The Czech Republic takes the crown for beer consumption per capita. With over 140 litres (about 246 pints) consumed annually per person, Czechs are passionate about their beer culture, and it’s not uncommon to see locals enjoying a pint any time of day.
The Reinheitsgebot, or German Purity Law is a series of regulations limiting the ingredients in beer in Germany. The law was first adopted in 1487 and adopted by Bavaria in 1516. Initially it stated that the only ingredients to be used in the production of beer were barley, hops and water. Yeast was later added to aid the fermentation process, and eventually wheat was also permitted.
Weihenstephan Brewery in Bavaria, Germany, holds the title of the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery. Founded in 1040, it originally operated as part of a Benedictine monastery, which itself dates back even further to 768. That’s a lot of brewing experience!
Hops weren’t always a part of beer. They were introduced around the 9th century to add bitterness, balance the sweetness from the malt, and help preserve the beer. Different hop varieties bring a wide range of flavours, from citrusy and floral to earthy and piney notes.
India Pale Ale, or IPA, was created during the 18th century for British soldiers and settlers in India. During the long sea voyages from Great Britain, it was discovered that stronger beers with higher hop content arrived in better condition than those with lower hops and ABV, hence the distinctive signature style, which is still hugely popular today.
Attracting up to 6 million visitors annually, Oktoberfest in Munich is the world’s largest beer festival. People travel from all over the world to enjoy traditional German food, music, and of course… beer in steins!
In German, the word “Keller” translates to the word cellar. We called our German-style lager Keller as a nod to the ice-filled rooms where beer was once stored in Germany before electric refrigeration became ubiquitous.
Contrary to popular belief in Britain, the correct way to enjoy a beer is when it has a head. The head releases the beers aromas and enhances the drinking experience. It’s also an indicator to how fresh the beer is and can be a sign that the beer is well carbonated.
Throughout history, there has been evidence to support workers being paid in beer rations. Traded as a form of commodity, soldiers in the Roman army were given a daily allowance of beer as part of their pay.
There are more than 100 different styles of beer. From stouts and porters, to blondes and lagers. No matter what your taste is, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find something you like.
Yes, this is a real phobia! The fear of an empty beer glass can cause anxiety in those who love a full pint. Luckily, the remedy is simple – make sure to keep the beer flowing and the glasses full. So… Who’s round is it next?!
With over 150 varieties of hops, brewers have a vast palette of flavours and aromas to play with. Some hops impart tropical fruit notes, others might add more herbal flavours, and some are used as an ingredient to help with the beers bitterness.
Wondering what makes a beer hazy? It comes down the ingredients in the brew and how the beer has been filtered. When brewing beer with a high hop content, or lots of grain, if these proteins aren’t filtered out, the beer will have a natural haze to it. Hazy beers are perfectly good to drink, and some people prefer this style of beer for it’s fuller flavour and bitterness (or IBU).
Back in 2011, Barack Obama brewed his very own beer at the White House. White House Honey Ale was brewed and enjoyed during parties and events hosted during Obamas tenure.
In the Czech Republic, they’ve built beer spas where guests can bathe in the good stuff. It’s said to rejuvenate the skin and body (although personally I’d rather drink the stuff).
Until 2011, Russia considered anything less than 10% in alcohol as a soft drink. Beer was sold as an unrestricted product, so it was normal to see people casually swigging beer in the streets and in parks as if it was pop.
Protein content in the beer, especially from grains like wheat, improves head retention.