Beer is actually one of the oldest and most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. In fact, it’s said to be the third most commonly consumed drink, after water and tea and it is thought that the very first beer was created by the ancient Chinese around the year 7000 BCE. In the UK, beer became particularly popular in the late 1930s with the introduction of pubs in post-war Britain. Since then, although we no longer have to visit the pub for a good beer, it remains a very popular drink for many Brits. We’ve found some unusual and interesting facts to share with you, and we’ve also got a few tips on how to choose the right beer. Plus, if you fancy sampling some new beverages check out this delicious Beerwulf discount code to pick yourself up a bargain.
Beer Facts:
- Beer is made of 90% water – this probably explains why it is such a thirst-quenching drink and a very refreshing choice on a warm day.
- The strongest beer in the world is a Scottish beer called Snake Venom which has an incredible alcohol volume content of 67.5% ABV. That’s more than certain spirits like vodka or whiskey which usually don’t exceed around 40% ABV!
- Beer was illegal in Iceland – although this country banned all alcoholic drinks in 1915, a few years later the ban was lifted for many different beverages but beer did not become legal until 1989!
- There is another European country that consumes more beer than the UK! Can you guess which one? According to recent statistics, the Czech Republic consumes more than any other country and has done so for the past 26 years. It is believed that the reason for this is because it is home to the Pilsner beer which dates back as far as the year 993.
- You can bathe in beer in Austria! Yes, the Starkenberger brewery located in Tarrenz, West Austria actually has a pool of beer that you can swim in. Although this may sound like a rather unusual experience, it’s actually very good for your health.
- Among the list of countries that produce the most beer worldwide are China, Germany, Russia, Brazil, and the United States. However, the biggest producer is actually a Belgium company that owns more than 400 beer brands.
- The oldest brewery in the world has been around since the year 1040 and is located in Freising, Germany.
- The most popular brand of beer is said to be Budweiser. Among the top 5 most popular brands are Stella Artois, Heineken, and Bud Light.
- There are over 100 different types of beer including lager, various types of ales, and new and trending craft beers.
- International Beer Day – you may be surprised to learn that there is a special annual event to celebrate the world’s love of beer! It started in 2007 and it takes place on the first Friday in August.
Which beer to choose?
- Lager – if you prefer a light, crisp flavour with a thirst-quenching taste, try pale lager, pilsner, or red or amber lagers.
- Ales – these are generally more malty and earthy and you can experiment with cream ale if you don’t want a bitter taste or a pale ale which often has a slightly citrus flavour.
- Indian Pale Ale (IPA) is a good choice if you do enjoy a rich, bitter flavour and you can also find fruity flavours too.
- Wheat beer – adding wheat to beer changes both the taste and texture. Try this if you enjoy a smooth, refreshing kind of beer with a hint of sweetness.
These are just a few of the many different types of beer. Obviously, it’s a matter of personal preference and usually, the best way to find out which you like is to experiment with different tastes and flavours. If you’re keen to learn more about the history of beer around the world, and the different styles of beer available you can visit the Brewers Association website.