Cheers!
The Sunday Feed
I always tell my students that there are only 2 times when people speak the truth.
1. When they are angry
2. When they are drunk
In Australia, politics is not taken as seriously as it is in some other countries. Most people get active when it is election time and then stay dormant till the next elections.
One of the things the politicians have to do while campaigning is the “Pub Test.” It basically means that they must mingle with the people in the pubs and assure them that the policies and proposals they will present in parliament best represent the needs of the common people.
To be honest even this event is taken as lightly as a news that a crocodile drowned in the Darling Murray River. It’s just a part of some lighthearted tradition that brings a few chuckles.
I love beer and I can imagine the void it would have created in its absence. Let’s go back a few years and see how this marvel came into being.
Beer is one of the oldest known beverages, with its invention dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. Here’s an overview of how beer was likely invented:
Accidental discovery: Beer’s origins are believed to be an accident. Ancient humans, possibly around 7,000 to 10,000 years ago, likely discovered fermentation when wild grains got wet and naturally fermented with airborne yeasts. People might have tasted the result — a slightly fizzy, alcoholic drink — and found it enjoyable.
Mesopotamia and Sumerians (4,000–3,000 BCE): The first recorded evidence of beer brewing comes from ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), particularly the Sumerians. They had a goddess of brewing, Ninkasi, and worshippers would pray for good beer. A hymn to Ninkasi from around 1800 BCE includes the oldest known recipe for beer. The process involved fermenting barley and emmer (an ancient wheat) into a drink.
Egyptians: The ancient Egyptians brewed beer as a staple part of their diet. It was consumed daily and was an essential offering to their gods. Beer was also used as a form of currency and was given to workers building the pyramids. Egyptian beer was often flavored with herbs and spices to enhance the taste.
Spread to Europe: As human civilization advanced, beer brewing spread to different parts of the world, including Europe. The Celts, Germans, and other early European societies all developed their own brewing techniques, using local grains and herbs.
Development of modern brewing: Over time, brewing became more refined. In medieval Europe, monasteries played a crucial role in improving beer production by standardizing recipes and adding hops, which preserved the beer and gave it a bitter flavor. The addition of hops, especially in 9th-century Germany, was a key innovation that led to the beer styles we recognize today.
Industrialization: By the 18th and 19th centuries, beer production had become industrialized. The invention of refrigeration, advances in microbiology (particularly the discovery of yeast by Louis Pasteur), and better control over brewing processes led to more consistent, high-quality beer.
It will be safe to assume that out of 195 countries of the world, all of them must be selling beer. Let’s look at the top Beer-Consuming Countries:
China: The largest beer-consuming country, with around 20–25% of global consumption. Despite its vast population, the per capita consumption is lower than in many Western nations.
United States: Consumes a significant portion of the world’s beer, with large domestic production and strong craft beer culture.
Germany: Known for its beer culture and Oktoberfest, Germany has one of the highest per capita beer consumptions.
Brazil: A major beer market in South America.
Mexico: Both a large beer consumer and a significant exporter of beer, especially to the U.S.
Per Capita Consumption: In terms of per capita beer consumption, smaller European countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria tend to rank the highest.
Personally speaking, I enjoy a few pints on the weekend. It does help to relax your mind. And while relaxing, this time, I might have a relook at some of the fun facts of this beautiful drink.
1: The Czech Republic Drinks the Most Beer
2: Back in the Middle Ages, beer was considered to be a normal part of the human diet.
3: In countries such as South Korea, Germany, Spain and Portugal McDonalds serve beer to their patrons.
4: In the 1960’s, Heineken crafted their beer bottles so that they could double as bricks for houses or other buildings.
5: In the early 2000s, Belgians began serving beer with a lower alcohol content to elementary school students. They did this to offer a healthier option to traditional soda.
6: While beer brewing is considered to be mostly done by men, back in Ancient Egypt, women did the majority of the beer brewing.
7: We can Trace Beer Back to 3,500 BC
8: There are Over 100 Varieties of Beer in the world
Here’s to a good Weekend.
Cheers!
John Khalkho: CEO — Dolores Recruitment