The Science & History of Beer

Beer is as old as civilization.  Which means that as long as we’ve had a historical record of, well, anything, old faithful beer has been an important part of the life of man.  Some say it started when some grain wandered into some water and began to ferment, only to be discovered and imbibed by some lucky ancient. 

Others say it came as a gift from the gods. 

Whatever its origins, the moment beer arrived here on earth, there have been people in love with it. 

Just like you and me.

Sometimes the only thing more blissful than a glass of great tasting beer is brewing your beer at home. If you really want to get serious about the science of beer, join The BrewMasters Club!

Interest Facts About Beer's History

• Historians think pre-historic people made beer well before they made bread
• Babylonian clay tablets from 4300 BC include detailed recipes for beer
• Beer was brewed in Babylonian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Hebrew, Chinese and Inca cultures

Get more interesting facts and trivia about beer.

Ingredients Used Through History and Civilizations

 Different grains were used in the fermentation processes of different cultures: 

•            South America –  corn
•            Mexico – agave
•            Russia – rye
•            Egypt – barley
•            Japan – rice
•            Asia – sorghum
•            China – samshu

 Beer History Timeline 

• 1600 BC – Egyptian medical texts have hundreds of prescriptions calling for beer (Early brewers used balsam, hay, dandelion, mint and even oyster shells for flavorings)
• 55 BC – Roman legions introduce beer to Northern Europe
• 500 – 1000 AD – Brewing grows in Europe, especially in centralized production in monasteries and convents
• 1000 AD - Hops are introduced to the brewing process
• 1200 AD – Beer making commercialized in England, Germany and Austria
• 1420 – German brewers develop the lager method of brewing
• 1490’s – Columbus discovered Indians making beer from corn and black-birch sap
• 1516 – Bavarian brewers guilds push the Reinheitsgeobot Purity Laws, outlawing the use of anything but water, barley and hops in beer making
• 1602 – Dr. Alexander Nowell finds that ale lasts longer in cork-sealed glass bottles
• 1789 – James Madison proposed that Congress levy a low 8-cent duty pr barrel on malt liquors to “encourage the manufacture of beer in every state in the union”
• 1890 – Pabst is first brewer to sell over 1 million barrels in a year

Finally...

• 1989 – The Beer Machine revolutionizes individual beer making. Learn about our company.
• Today – Beer Lovers from all corners of the earth revel in the joy of brewing beer at home with The Beer Machine

 Beer In The Modern World 

You, yourself…you can add to the rich history of beer.  You can climb an unclimbed peak(bad metaphor)…you can brew a beer never brewed before.  With The Beer Machine.

Get yours now.