Jul. 04, 2012 - Issue #872: The Beer Issue
Provenance
Six (plus four) things about beer
Not the most hygenic methodThe phrase "rule of thumb" can also be credited to beer. Before thermometers were invented, brewers would stick their thumbs into beer vats to see if it was time for yeast to be added. If it was too hot, the yeast would die.
Don't let it go to waste
Store beer upright to minimize oxidation and contamination from the cap.
Official title
Love beer? The term for a beer enthusiast is a cerevisaphile.
Water is essential
Beer is predominantly composed of water, and certain regions were originally better suited to making different types of beer. For example, Dublin's mineral-rich hard water was ideal for stouts.
Almost No. 1
Beer is the second most popular beverage in the world, right behind tea.
Don't try this today
Centuries ago, pub patrons in England summoned a barmaid by blowing into a whistle crafted into the rim of beer mugs. It's suggested this is where the phrase "wet your whistle" originated.
Oh Canada
The first brewery in Canada was established by Jean Talon in Quebec City in 1668. John Molson founded a brewery in Montréal in 1786 and Alexander Keith followed in Halifax in 1820. John Kinder Labatt established his brewery in London in 1847.
Beer, beer and more beer
Belgium has been crowned as the country with the most individual beer brands at 400.
Serious about beer
The ancient Babylonians were the first to brew beer. It's been said that if someone brewed a bad batch, they were drowned in it as punishment.
Women's work
In the Middle Ages, women were in charge of brewing beer. It was considered a daily task in some countries, but in others, it was reserved only for "good-looking" women and was considered an honour. Monks also knew how to brew beer. vueweekly.com comments: powered by Disqus
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