The History of Beer
By Bruce Shawkey It is impossible to say where and when the brewing of beer began. Evidence suggests Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all brewed some form of beer. And by the 13th century, it was a well established industry. Brewing shifted to Germany as early as 54 A.D., and there it remained as a stronghold to this day. Also, beer brewed in the city of Budweis (in what is now the Czech Republic) appears in the year 1256. It should come as no surprise that Anheuser Busch adopted the name Budweiser as its signature beer. Although universally known, today's brew differs greatly from that made eight hundred years ago. In the thirteenth century we see laws enacted to ensure the purity of beer and protect the occupation of brewers. Here is a summary of those laws: 1. No one shall brew beer on Sundays or on the solemn feasts of the Holy Virgin. 2. No one shall set up in the brewery who has not served a five years’ apprenticeship, and been three years a partner with...
