Tasty Brew by Brant Collins

Editor's Note: MOD Voices welcome guest blogger Brant Collins who gives us a little history of beer. Why? Because on October 21, 2010, the Museum of Discovery hosts its ninth annual UNCORKED wine and beer tasting event!


Many historians believe that the ancient Sumerians and Mesopotamians were brewing as early back as 10,000 B.C. Even though this product would have been different from the bottled varieties of today, it would have still been recognizable.



The ancient Egyptians and the Chinese brewed their beer, as did civilizations in America, where they used corn instead of barley. Back then, thousands of years ago, microbrews were very popular and on their way to what we now know and love today.

In the middle ages, European monks were the guardians of literature and science, as well as the art of making beer. They refined the process to perfection, and even institutionalized the use of hops as both flavoring and a preservative.



However, it wasn't until Louis Pasteur came along that a final, important development was determined. Until this time, brewers had to depend on the wild yet airborne yeast for fermentation. By establishing that yeast is actually a living organism, he opened the gates for controlling the conversion of sugar into alcohol.

Grapes grow well in warmer climates, while barley grows better in cool climates. This is how the northern areas of Germany and England first became famous for their beers.

Around a century ago, the United States had more than 2,000 breweries making many different styles and variations until 1920, when prohibition took effect. A lot of breweries went out of business or switched their production to soda. Not everyone stopped drinking, but gangster related products weren't known for high quality. Prohibition was repealed in 1933.

By the 1980's, there were only 40 brewing companies which only offered a brand of American Pilsner. Microbrews started to become popular when distributors really were convinced that at least some people would buy them.

According to the Brewers Association, 1,595 breweries operated for some or all of 2009, the highest total since before Prohibition. Craft brewers currently provide an estimated 100,000 jobs in the U.S., including serving staff in brewpubs.


--Brant Collins is the Admiral of Ales for BeerUtopia.com, New Media Artist and father of five.