| Beer making is a very ancient art and the oldest | | | | there are fewer than 20. These are now large |
| known records are credited to the Sumerians, | | | | commercial companies that had their origins in |
| about 7,000 years ago. They perfected this art | | | | family business. Beer is still a huge commercial |
| and passed it on to the Babylonians, who know | | | | concern but has lost some of its mystique in its |
| how to make at least 20 different types of beer. | | | | journey to fame and fortune. Home brewing is |
| It was exported as an important commodity | | | | especially popular in the UK and USA. Germany |
| throughout the civilized world at this time. In | | | | also is very famous for its beer. In fact one of |
| ancient Babylon, certain amounts were rationed | | | | the most famous festivals is the October fest |
| out to the public in relation to their class. The | | | | held in honor of German beer. |
| average worker was given a ration of 2 liters per | | | | Now home brewed beer has taken on a new |
| day, and the higher members of society like | | | | popularity with all sorts of flavors and |
| priests were allowed as much as 5 liters. Beer | | | | experiments being tried. You can join clubs of |
| was bartered rather than sold at this time. | | | | brewers who can swap ideas and recipes with |
| The Egyptians added dates to their beer making a | | | | you. You can join people who actually collect |
| unique taste. At this time was unfiltered and | | | | items, which even include historic cans. Of course |
| special drinking straws were used to prevent the | | | | there is nothing like sharing your special home |
| bitter dregs from being consumed. It was | | | | brew with a few good friends, or watching "the |
| considered to be a divine drink with the Greeks | | | | game" with friends and a few beers. It is mainly |
| and Romans dedicating a deity to wine and beer. | | | | made up of hops and grains but around the world |
| In the 1900's there were as many as 200 | | | | it can be made from a variety of substances. |
| breweries many of them family owned now | | | | Corn, and milk being just two. |