Image by Sky Thompson
by Ben Kritikos
Beer is the oldest prepared drink in the world. The ancient Egyptians drank it, and even made lovely pictures of themselves enjoying it. Some of the oldest existing laws in Germany are laws governing the production of beer. It’s likely that Europeans take laws governing the production of alcoholic beverages more seriously than the laws regulating investment banks. I know I trust a brewer over a banker any day.
Beer dates back to the 6th millenium BCE. The earliest Sumerian writings contain references to beer. A prayer to Ninkasi, the goddess of brewing, also served as a recipe to help them remember how to make the beloved bubbly bevvie. It’s something you wouldn’t want to forget, naturally.
"So how 'bout that Pharoah, eh? A sarcophagus like that, at the taxpayers' expense! That'll be three twists of flax, when you're ready." "You said it. These kings are all the same -- a misplaced sense of entitlement, is what it is. Do you do cash back?"
Pretty amazing when you think about it, but the invention of beer predates the invention of sewage systems; one can only imagine the effect this must have had on Sumerian high streets of a Saturday night.
Beer in what is now the Middle East is a far cry from the frothy stuff of pints down the pub. Most commonly, “beer” is understood to be pale lager; it is the most popular beer in the world. There’s no accounting for taste.
If you’re anything like me (a dubious state of affairs, admittedly) you find lager almost entirely dispensable, except with a curry. While a good lager is a thing of joy, I prefer more robust beers, generally speaking.
Don’t get me wrong, though — if you’re buying, I’m drinking. Continue reading →
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