The BeginningBeer has had an interesting journey from its origins to its vast global spread. The discovery of beer in its earliest form was likely an accident as wild yeast in the air can cause the spontaneous fermentation of any sugared substances. (1) The origins of beer, therefore, are somewhat of a mystery and the beverage has been said to pre-date the earliest historical writings. (4) That being said we have uncovered a detailed account of beers history and migration. The discovery of bear and the abandonment of the nomadic lifestyle by the majority of humanity conveniently occur in the same general timeframe. (5) It has been argued by many that beer is the very reason for organized civilization and that beers influence was the reason for domesticated agriculture however this has been shown unlikely. The rise and spread of beer to all corners of the world can be traced back, for the most part, to some common lineage.
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Unfortunately, the exact early history of beer is one that will never be completely accurate. Our first evidence of the alcoholic beverage comes only long after the development of agriculture. (4) However, Research suggests that beer was discovered accidentally around 10000 BCE in Sumer. (5) Apparently, when wild barley, soaked by rain was harvested and placed in jars for storage they began fermenting due to their contact with wild yeast. (5) There is also a belief that beer was independently discovered in prehistoric Europe, confirmed by recent archaeological finds (4)
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Early SpreadRegardless of its discovery beer began to take hold quickly and by 6000 BCE it was a steady part of the Sumerian culture. In fact the oldest piece of evidence regarding beers discovery is a 4000-year-old tablet that shows humans drinking beer, using straws from a communal bowl. (5) From here the spread of beer followed suitable geographies. Beer began to spread across the Islamabad plain because of its suitable conditions of plentiful rain, fertile soils, and positive climate. The flow of beer across this highly productive land from the western Iran all the way to Egypt is easy to follow. By 3500 BCE beer was being produced in what is modern day Iran. (5) Following the decay of the Sumerian empire the Babylonians began to take power. With this came the inheritance of beer and brewing form the Sumerian culture. The Babylonians began to expand on beers brewing capabilities and are known to have brewed at least nine different types of beer including, dark, golden, and red varieties. (5) Moreover, the Babylonians consumed their beer using straws helping to prevent solids from brewing being consumed. (5) The Babylonians introduced beer to the Egyptians through trade and it quickly took hold their as a staple in diet and religion. (5) At this time the brewing process was well known and proven. Beer would soon entre the European peninsula as trade between the ancient Egyptians and Greeks started to include beer. Trade between the Greek and roman empires further spread the commodity across Rome where it became popular in the more northern regions. (5) At this point beer was being exported as far as India with many varieties being produced.
The earliest western European mention of beer comes from Archilochus who speaks of the Greek settlement in Thrace where he drank wine but implies that there were also beer drinkers. (4) It is the Egyptians who can be credited with teaching the Greeks to brew beer. Although the Greeks imported Egyptian beer, they were never fans of the beverage and didn’t see it as trustworthy and thus opted to brew their own. (5) Even so, the Greeks did not prove to love beer and preferred wine to the beverage. Despite this it was in fact the Greeks who furthered the spread of beer by teaching the Romans to brew for themselves. The romans, like the Greeks, were not the biggest fans of beer and by the time of the republic saw it only fit for barbarians. Even though they much preferred their wine beer still made itself known across Rome’s expanse and during roman war campaigns in 55 BCE beer was introduced to northern Europe. (5) Again geography played a large role in beers spread and popularity as barely grew much better in the northern climate then the grapes needed for wine and so it became the preferred beverage. (5) |
After RomeFollowing the fall of Rome beer brewing moved to monasteries where the craft was taken more seriously. The monastic way of life quickly captured Europe and with it the spread of breweries and subsequently beer. By the middle ages monastic brewing was widespread across Europe, with 400 operations in Germany alone. (5) Beers popularity in middle aged Europe was not only due to the monastic component of its brewing but largely due to its safety as a beverage. “The fermentation and brewing processes made beer far safer to drink than water and Saint Arnold was noted saying, “Don’t drink the water, drink beer.”” (5) Due to its safety and the unreliability of water beer was taken on expeditions and used as part of the standard diet.
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Canada has been brewing beer, in the conventional sense, for about 450 years. (2) Something most Canadians identify with it is deeply ingrained in the country’s culture. Stephen Beaumont put it accurately; “Along with back bacon, winter and hockey beer practically defines Canada.” (2) Canada’s first nations had been brewing spruce beer for generations by the time Jacque Cartier, one of Canada’s foremost explorers, arrived. (2) The first brewers of the country are said to have been Louis Hébert, Canada’s first farmer, who brewed the beer in 1627 in celebration of a newly birthed child and Jesuit Brother Ambroise who established a brewery in Sillery, Québec, in 1647. (2) The world of beer today is quite different consisting of several global players and numerous small producers scattered across earth. Technological advancements have lead to the enjoyment of many different types of beer for anyone, wherever they might be.
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