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Historical aspects of beer consumption
 

Historical aspects of beer consumption

Frank Maixner, Christian Hoffmann, JI Eizaguirre, M Hutzler M Zarnkow
Beer in Health and Disease Prevention, pp.3-12
Academic Press
2026
: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-22332-7.00017-9
:
https://hdl.handle.net/10863/53229
From early brewing experiments in Neolithic settlements to the advanced techniques of the Sumerians, Egyptians, Celts, and Romans, beer has played a significant role in human civilization. It has served as sustenance, currency, and a key element of social and religious life. Despite cultural differences in attitudes toward beer, its production and consumption have persisted throughout history, influencing societies worldwide. From medieval monastic brewing to industrial mass production, beer evolved through technological and scientific advancements. Monks refined bottom-fermented lagers, and over time, brewing spread globally. The Industrial Revolution standardized brewing through scientific advancements in fermentation, temperature control, and yeast cultivation. German brewers played a pivotal role, refining lager production through chemistry and engineering, shaping modern brewing, and establishing beer as a global industry. The craft beer movement emerged in the 1960s as a counter-revolution to industrialized brewing, emphasizing diversity, tradition, and innovation. Legal reforms in 1979 fueled its growth, leading to global expansion. By 2019, craft breweries dominated the market, challenging macro-breweries. Festivals worldwide highlight its cultural and economic significance.
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