1. Beer helped shape human historyBeer is arguably the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world. Only mead (blech) predates it, and I suggest it goes back to the time from whence it came. There’s not enough space in this magazine to go over every way beer has helped shape the world, but I’ll share one of the most integral: In ancient Mesopotamia, during a period known as the Neolithic Revolution, the first crop to be domesticated and cultivated en mass was barley. For many years, historians believed it was to make bread, but they obviously had not tried to make barley bread, because it’s lousy. I guess they just thought ancient people were dumb as hell. We found out, though, after some ancient clay pots from 9000 BC were unearthed, that barley was actually being used to make beer. So, when you think about how hard it would be to hunt and gather your food, thank beer for being the catalyst that led to modern conveniences. If you want to know more, please check out the documentary “How Beer Saved the World.” It’s awesome!
2. So many choicesWe are blessed to live in an age when beer is abundant and the style choices are vast. It seems like every other week I hear about a new style of beer, or some crazy hybrid or new vessel that beer is being aged in. There are fruit beers, kettle sours, New England-style IPAs, doughnut-flavored beers, hot sauce-flavored beers, and beers aged in bourbon barrels, wine barrels, rum barrels, and so on. If you are prejudiced toward beer because you don’t like the taste, and it has been a while since you gave it a shot, now is the time. There is a beer for everyone out there, so I never want to hear the words “I just don’t like beer” cross your lips ever again.
3. It makes food betterBeer and wings. Beer and pizza. Beer and cheese. These are merely a few of the innumerable beer pairings that make your edible selections even better. Whether the beer washes away the heat of a spicy dish, or compliments and adds to the flavors in it, beer should be the drink you enjoy with your meal. This point goes back to the previous one as well, because there are so many choices. Wine is wonderful, and I love the shit out of it, but the different flavors you can get out of the tons and tons of beer choices out there mean you are far more likely to find a beer that matches up with your meal. Also, in case you haven’t noticed, beer is a great ingredient for tons of foods. Beer-battered items, beer-braised items, beer mustard, beer and cheese soup, etc. Not only does it complement your food, it is likely in your food, too!
4. The health benefitsBeer can be great for you, as long as it is enjoyed in moderation. You could say that about most things. Shit . . . if you eat too many tomatoes you could eventually get cancer. Moderation is key. A pint of beer a day can help you to avoid heart disease and strokes. It can also help you prevent kidney stones. Anyone who has endured the trial by fire that is passing a kidney stone should be doing a keg stand right now. The benefits don’t end there. If you have the means, bathing in beer can really benefit your skin. It’s too bad that most of us will never know this luxury, because a bathtub full of beer wouldn’t last long enough in this town for anyone to have a chance to jump in.
Sean Moriarty has been drinking craft beer since before he was legally allowed to. He managed and bartended at Steamworks Brewing Co. from 2007-2017 and currently manages their digital marketing.
