A brief history of beer

Beer has been a coveted drink since 4300 BC. C., as recorded on ancient Babylonian clay tablets, perhaps even before prehistoric times. Being a simple fermentation of any starch or sugar, it appears to have been independently developed by remote civilizations, including the Assyrian. Chinese, Hebrew, Egyptian and even Inca cultures. It has been made from a wide variety of carbohydrate sources and includes herbs such as peppermint, balsam, hay, wormwood and oyster shells to add flavouring. It has been a popular drink for pleasure, celebration, and medicinal uses.

Early United States history shows that Sir Walter Raleigh was the first New World brewer in 1587, opening the first commercial brewery in what is now New York City in 1612. By 1674, perhaps as it was Not surprisingly, Harvard College started its own brewery to begin a long and illustrious history of college keggers. The founding fathers were beer lovers, as evidenced by Samuel Adams, who operates a commercial brewery, and Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, both with their own private breweries.

Many of the thousands of breweries in the US closed as a result of Prohibition that began in 1920. Bootleg beer was still popular, although this was the beginning of the trend of diluted beer to boost profits. This trend continues with the American palate now accustomed to weaker beers and the mass marketing and production of beers after World War II. This is one of the reasons many American beer fans turn to the full-flavored imported ales and craft beers available at the best sports bars. For a taste adventure in beer, check out a local sports bar or Irish pub that offers a variety of imported and craft beers to find out what a great full-bodied beer can really taste like.