German Beer Purity Laws

Last week the nation of Germany celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Beer Purity Laws.  What a feat in having such a law on the books!  To keep the law's explanation simple, it simply states beer can only be made by four ingredients: hops, barley, water, and yeast.  Over the last few years, advocates critical of the laws have raised concerns it impedes innovation in brewing, especially in considering the rise of such novelties as craft beer.  I disagree, maybe because I hadn't ever found a craft beer worth drinking more than a few times every so often.  Don't misunderstand me, there are some great craft beers out there, but I am a very loyal follower of what I like and enjoy.  (Keep in mind I am almost ten years sober, abstinent from the consumption of alcohol.  However, enjoying a great beer is something to become passionate about.  Even though I do not drink anymore, I still reminisce about the good ol' times of drinking with friends.)  A few of my favorite beers, in somewhat numerical order, are: Killian's Irish Red (lager), Saint Pauli Girl Dark (lager), Heineken Dark (lager), Paulaner Hefeweizen, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (Ale), Grolsch, and the list could go on.  Maybe I'm an advocate in favor of the Purity Laws because I'm exactly that, a purist.  An idealist could be another synonym for my stance.  Such laws maintain the integrity of the art and guard against the corruption of the beverage by the new kids on the block, craft beer.  Good for you Germany!  Keep at it, and you will maintain your pre-eminent status of beer connoisseurs.


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