Ever wondered how beer shaped history, influenced great discoveries, or even caused a few bizarre traditions? From ancient women brewsters to medieval beer soup breakfasts, and even a political party dedicated to beer lovers, the humble pint has done more than just quench thirst. Here are 17 facts about the unexpected ways beer has left its mark on the world — cheers to history on tap!
Beer is Truly Ancient
Beer is one of the oldest drinks in the world. Some researchers believe that it dates back to the Neolithic Era, which started around 10,000 BC.
Early civilizations fermented grains to create a crude form of the drink… it wouldn’t taste anywhere as good as your favorite craft brew, but it was technically beer.
The Declaration of Independence Was Written in a Tavern
Thomas Jefferson is said to have written part of the Declaration of Independence in a cozy Philadelphia tavern. During the summer of 1776, taverns served as essential gathering spots where ideas flowed as freely as the ale. This informal atmosphere played a surprising yet pivotal role in the creation of one of America’s most important documents.
Babylonians Punished Bad Beer Brewers
The Babylonians took beer quality seriously, with strict laws governing its production. The Code of Hammurabi included harsh punishments for tavern keepers who mishandled beer, and bartenders who watered down beer faced execution as a punishment.
Drunk People Built the Pyramids
The Great Pyramid of Giza was built on beer! Workers received a daily ration of about four liters. Why? Beer was considered safer to drink than water. It also kept morale high during construction.
Vikings Had Interesting Valhalla Beliefs About Beer
In Norse mythology, the Vikings believed that in Valhalla — their warrior’s paradise — a magical goat named Heiðrún awaited them. This legendary goat produced an endless supply of beer from her udders, flowing freely to fill the drinking horns of fallen warriors. For the Vikings, this promise of eternal feasting and unlimited beer made Valhalla the ultimate reward.
Women Were the First Professional Brewers
The earliest professional brewers, known as ‘brewsters,’ were all women. Skilled women who excelled in brewing beer became highly regarded in their communities. Although beauty wasn’t a requirement, brewsters often wore distinctive attire to signal their trade, which led to myths about beauty being a requirement. In many cultures, brewing remained a respected craft for women until it gradually transitioned to a male-dominated profession in later centuries.
Prohibition’s Ending
After 13 long years of Prohibition, Americans were finally free to enjoy a legal drink again. President Franklin D. Roosevelt captured the nation’s relief with his famous words: “What America needs now is a drink.” With that, the era of speakeasies and bootlegging came to an end, and the country toasted newfound freedom.
Texas Elected a Beer-Drinking Goat
In the 1980s, the small town of Lajitas, Texas, made headlines when it elected a beer-drinking goat named Clay Henry as its mayor. This odd choice was a playful nod to the town’s quirky spirit and a response to the locals’ disinterest in traditional politics. Clay Henry quickly became a beloved figure, known for his penchant for beer, which residents would occasionally provide as a treat.
Andre the Giant Could Really Drink
Beloved wrestler Andre the Giant was legendary not only for his career but also for his staggering drinking abilities. He was known to consume 119 beers in just six hours, a feat that would be unimaginable for most people. But when you’re a 7’4”, 529-pound giant, it’s just another day, I suppose!
George Washington Was a Beer Lover
George Washington was a firm believer in the morale-boosting power of beer, insisting that his Continental Army soldiers receive a daily ration of one quart each. Later, as President and a devoted brewer himself, he established a brew house at his Mount Vernon estate. There, he crafted his own recipes and contributed to the early American brewing tradition.
Oktoberfest’s Beginnings
Oktoberfest, now the world’s largest beer festival, has surprising roots in royal celebration. It goes back to 1810 where it was a grand festival honoring the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Locals enjoyed the festivities so much that they decided to make it an annual tradition. This evolved into the beloved beer-filled event that attracts millions to Munich each year.
The Pilgrims Stopped Because They Ran Out of Beer
The Pilgrims had initially planned to settle near the Hudson River, but their journey took an unexpected turn when their beer supply ran low. At the time, beer was considered safer and more reliable than water for long voyages (it was less likely to carry harmful bacteria). Running low on this essential resource, they decided to dock at Plymouth Rock, a choice that would shape the course of American history.
Beer Soup Exists
In medieval Europe, beer soup was a staple breakfast enjoyed by people of all ages. Made by mixing beer with eggs, bread, and sometimes butter, this hearty meal provided sustenance… and maybe a mild buzz… to start the day. At a time when water quality was unreliable, beer soup offered a safe and filling alternative, blending nutrition with the comforting warmth of a hot meal.
Beer Helped Discover Oxygen
Beer played an unexpected role in the discovery of oxygen, thanks to the curiosity of scientist Joseph Priestley. While visiting a brewery, Priestley noticed gases bubbling up from large vats of fermenting beer. This sparked his interest in studying what he referred to as ‘airs.’ His experiments eventually led him to identify oxygen, changing the course of science.
Related: 27 “Facts” from History That Have Been Debunked
Beer Had a Political Party
In the 1990s, the Beer Lovers Party emerged as a unique political movement in Belarus and Russia, capturing attention with its lighthearted approach. While advocating for beer drinkers’ rights, the party also addressed social and economic issues. Though the party didn’t last, it left a memorable mark on post-Soviet politics as a refreshing blend of humor and civic engagement.
Related: The Weirdest Restaurant in Each State
Brewers Originated the “Rule of Thumbs”
The phrase “rule of thumb” is said to have originated with beer brewers who relied on a practical method to check the temperature of their brews. Before thermometers were common, brewers would stick their thumbs into the mix to gauge whether it was cool enough to add yeast without killing it. This hands-on approach became known as a ‘rule of thumb,’ symbolizing a practical, experience-based guideline.
Related: Weird But True Facts About Medieval Life and Warfare
“Mind Your P’s and Q’s”
The phrase “mind your p’s and q’s” is believed to have originated in old pubs, where rowdy patrons were scolded and told to keep track of their pints and quarts. Over time, the expression evolved into a general reminder to be on one’s best behavior and pay attention to details.
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