History of Brewing
Beer is probably the most ancient of the alcoholic beverages known to
man. Archaeologists have found evidence that it was known in the Tigris
and Euphrates valleys as early as 4000 BC. The laws of Hammurabi, the
great law giver king of the first Babylonian dynasty (about 2300 BC),
set out penalties for beer sellers giving short measure of beer and for
other offences related to the sale or use of beer.
Beer is also depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphs dating from about 2000
BC onwards. They show the consumption of beer as well as the Egyptians'
brewing apparatus and methods. It was obviously a popular drink with
them.
The ancient Greeks and Romans also drank beer and it seems that the
Romans introduced beer to Britain, since the evidence is that it was
unknown in Britain before the invasion, but quite well known by the time
the Romans left. Thus the great British brewing tradition started and
beer became, and remains, their national drink. This may have been
because the climate was unsuitable for growing grapes. Whatever the
reason, the art and science of brewing owes much to the British brewers.
Strictly speaking, the ancient beers were really ales, since they
were made from malted grains without the addition of hops. The use of
hops in brewing seems to have come to England early in the sixteenth
century. It probably came from Europe where hops had been used from
about the eighth century. In England, Henry VII banned the use of hops
for a time, but this restriction was removed in 1528.
The drink made with the addition of hops was called beer, as distinct
from the traditional ale brewed from malted grain alone. However, the
use of hops in brewing spread rapidly and soon became general. Today,
beer is the generic word embracing all of the different drinks such as
ale, lager, bitter, etc. Now, ale refers to a lightish style of beer
generally brewed with a top fermenting
yeast. Lager refers to a beer
made with a bottom fermenting yeast.
The beers of the past were never carbonated and were stored in crocks
or casks. It was served from these at cellar temperature or above. This
is still the usual practice in England. Their beer to our taste may seem
flat and served too warm. This is unfair as English beer is very good,
and the temperature of service suited to the climate. Unlike our beer it
is a good accompaniment to food.
The lighter style of carbonated beer meant to be served chilled, seems
to have originated in Europe, probably in Germany and Denmark. This
style of beer is suited to our climate. Fortunately, for us, brewing in
this country has followed the German tradition, probably owing to the
influence of the early German brewers.
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