The sun is finally out, the weather is warming up, and one of our favorite holidays is almost here. National Beer Day is April 7th, and we can’t wait to crack open a coldie. This year we want to celebrate by providing you with some of the most fascinating facts about the beloved beverage. Study up and you’ll sound like an absolute wiz next time you’re at a bar or party. Always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!
1.) Beer has been around since 7,000 BC, making it one of the oldest beverages in the world. According to World History Encyclopedia, the first beer was brewed by the ancient Chinese. However, the first solid proof of beer brewing comes from the period of Sumerians around 4000 BC.
2.) The oldest active brewery in the world is Weihenstephan brewery in Freising, Germany, which opened in 1040. It was originally a monastery brewery for the benedict monks.
3.) Beer is the third most popular drink in the world behind water and tea. Beerinfo.com says that the overall average U.S. beer consumption per adult is around 28.2 gallons per year. This further breaks down to about a six-pack per week, per person.
4.) Beer contains vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B7, so you’re basically eating a salad.
5.) Thomas Jefferson wrote parts of the Declaration of Independence in a Philadelphia tavern. The City Tavern Restaurant was THE place for the elite to eat (and drink) way back when.
6.) Beer soup was a common breakfast in medieval Europe. The roux-based soup was made with beer and was commonly poured over a piece of bread.
7.) The world’s most alcoholic beer has an ABV of 67.5%. Brewmeister’s Snake Venom is a Scottish beer that certainly packs a punch. In fact, the company recommends that you enjoy it in small 35 ml doses. One Snake Venom beer costs about $76.
8.) Barack Obama brewed his own beer at the White House. The beer was named the White House Honey Ale and Obama paid for all the home brewing equipment with his personal funds. Along with his kitchen staff, they perfected the very first white house beer!
9.) Beer was banned in Iceland until 1989. The country prohibited all alcohol in 1915, but by 1922 the prohibition was lifted. So why couldn’t people enjoy beer? According to Reidel.com, “Iceland had long battled with Denmark over their independence and, as the Danes were big fans of a brew, it was viewed as unpatriotic to enjoy one.”
10.) McDonald’s sells beer on its menu in many countries such as France, Germany, Portugal, and South Korea. Some say it’s the perfect palate cleanser after a whole box of McNuggets.
Now that you’ve read all these fascinating beer facts, it’s time to go show off that big brain. Make sure to check out our site for all of your party needs!
