History of Beer Part 2: 1516 – 1898 AD

So I was wandering around the Internet late last night looking for some inspiration on for a big BBQ we’re having this weekend and I found an obscure little blog called Uptown Flavor with what looks to be a great Cajun Bourbon chicken recipe.

Coincidentally, it also had a fresh post titled The History of Beer Part 2, with a quick summary of beer in Europe essentially from the Reinheitsgebot in 1516 to the end of the 19th Century.

Yeah, I know, there’s lots of these “History of Beer” things all over the place, but I like this one because it boils events down to one sentence — nice bite-sized nuggets of beer trivia that you can use as a conversation starter at, oh, I don’t know–a barbecue. For example:

ME: “Were you aware that in 1602 Dr Alexander Nowell discovered that ale can be stored longer in cork sealed, glass bottles?

YOU: “Why, no, I wasn’t. That’s very interesting.”

Add some meat, fire and a fresh pint of good beer and we’ve got an instant good time.

There are a couple of problems with the guy’s history. For example,

AD 1589: Hofbrauhaus built by Duke Wilhelm V is the focal point of the famous annual Oktoberfest in Belgium.

Last time I checked the Hofbrauhaus was in Munich in Saxony, Germany–not Belgium–but who know, it’s Europe, stuff moves around. Plus this is the history “part 2”, but I can’t find part 1 on the site.

Whatever. It’s still a quick read and chocked full of useful beer tidbits.

» The History of Beer Part 2 Via Uptown Flavor.

And if you’re looking for a good grilled chicken recipe, check out the Cajun Bourbon Chicken.