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9 interesting facts about beer that will surprise you In the Czech Republic, beer is one of the most popular drinks and there are many attractions associated with it. Did you know that Czechs drink around 250 pints of beer a year or that beer lovers have a better memory? And there is much more. Check it out. 1. Which country drinks the most beer per year? Are you guessing the Czech Republic? You would be right. Every year, Czechs drink about 250 pints of beer (300 US pints). That’s five to six beers a week. Beer is so popular in the Czech Republic that we even bathe in it. You can experience the beneficial effects of beer on health and skin for yourself at Original Beer Spa. 2. Countries where drinking beer is forbidden Alcohol is forbidden in countries governed by Islamic law. Drinking in public is also prohibited in Poland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the USA. Though it’s okay to take a glass of wine or beer, in a hotel or tourist resort. Be mindful that in secular Muslim countries that do serve alcohol, it won’t be available during Ramadan. On the other hand, in the Czech Republic, you can drink in public, but you should always respect the rules of the city or restaurant. 3. How beer was created One of the earliest mentions of beer probably comes from the North Caucasus, where archaeologists found 5,500-year-old straws with traces of barley starch. The tradition of drinking beer was brought to Bohemia by the Slavs during the Migration of Nations. One of the oldest monasteries where beer was brewed is the Benedictine monastery in Břevnov, built in 993 by Bishop Vojtěch. You can learn more about the journey of the amber nectar, in the History of Beer in the Czech Republic. 4. What beer contains Drinking beer is good for your health, but in moderation, of course. One glass to accompany a meal or after a long walk will not hurt you, rather the opposite. It will refresh you and give you energy. Beer has a lot of group B vitamins, and it also contains iron, magnesium and zinc. And the carbohydrates in beer are a perfect boost, for example, after a demanding workout. As one of the most famous Czech cardiologists, Prof. MUDr. Jan Pirk, DrSc, said: "The 10° is, in my opinion, the best ionic drink that mankind has ever invented. Everything’s there: nutrition, vitamins, ions, and… that little bit of alcohol is also beneficial." 5. Why drinking beer is healthy Your body will benefit from a glass of beer with friends. Scientists have proved that beer drinkers have a significantly lower risk of heart attack and sclerosis. Beer lovers also have a better memory and a keen mind. Thanks to beer, our body processes fats and reduces stress better and induces a greater psychological well-being. That's a lot of reasons to stop at Original Beer Spa for one draught, don't you think? 6. The calories in your beer The number of calories varies depending on the type, or gradation, of the beer. A pint of 10° has an average of 200 kcal. This is similar to a large serving of butter, a sausage, a plate of pasta, or a handful of fries. Be careful, the stronger the beer, the more calories. In 12° we find 228 kcal and in 19°, 450 kcal. This is almost the equivalent of 100g of smoked pork belly, tartar sauce or a large slice of cake. So, beer and diet don't go together very well. But don't worry, you can always enjoy one dewy pint and you won’t pile on the pounds. 7. The percentage of alcohol in beer The 10° Czech beer has an alcohol content between 4% and 5%. Again, however, it depends on its gradation. A dark 18° beer can contain up to 7.5% alcohol. Krušovice, which we tap at Original Beer Spa, has between 4.2% and 4.7%. 8. How long it takes for a beer to wear off A number of factors influence how long alcohol settles in your blood. These include gender, age, weight, your current health and mental state, hunger, or ethnicity. What does ethnicity have to do with alcohol degradation, you might ask? Well, for example, many East Asians lack the enzyme encoded in the ALDH2 gene, the enzyme that breaks alcohol down in the liver. But how is it in the Czech Republic? Your average adult Caucasian male can break down a pint of 10° beer in 2 to 3 hours. 9. How to get rid of a hangover Ideally, of course, the best cure for a hangover is not to have one at all. In order not to overdo it with the alcohol though, try the following tips: - Never drink on an empty stomach. Always eat well first. Drink alcohol preferably with food, not on its own. - For each glass of beer, drink a glass of clean water. The hydration of the body when drinking alcohol is very important. - Do not drink in the sun or in the heat. Heat accelerates the effects of alcohol. - Get a good night's sleep and rest. - Follow the motto "Know your limit" But drinking beer in moderation is very beneficial for your health. If you only indulge in one or two beers, you won’t have to worry about hangovers and you will enjoy the experience, all the more.

10 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know about Beer Beer is one of the world’s oldest prepared beverages, and because of this has quite a lengthy history. Some estimates have the first brewed beer dating all the way back to the early Neolithic age in 9,000 BC. With such a long history, we thought you’d like to hear some fun and interesting beer facts. So here it is, 10 facts you probably didn’t know about beer. 1. Workers who built the pyramids of Giza were given a mixture of beer and bread for sustenance. Archeologists have found numerous bakery/breweries where the two were produced in tandem, sharing the yeast from brew to bread and back again. Hmmm, which came first the beer or the bread? 2. The ancient Babylonians took their brewing so seriously, that if you served a bad batch of beer, they would drown you in it as punishment and as a warning to other brewers. So know your flavors, follow the steps and always taste test before serving… Your life may one day depend on it! 3. The earliest written recipe is not for french toast or pie or cake… But for beer! Archaelogists discovered a tablet describing fermentation that is over 4,000 years old! On the tablet, a Sumerian poem honoring Ninkasi, the patron goddess of fermentation and brewing, contains the oldest surviving beer recipe. 4. The average American drinks 23 gallons of beer a year, and as much as that sounds, we aren’t even close to touching the top 3. (Step it up America!) The average person from the Czech Republic consumes almost 40 gallons per year! Easily besting the 2nd and third highest drinking countries: Austria and Germany… America comes in at 14th, I don’t know whether to be proud or depressed. 5. In 1814 a brewery vat erupted at St. Giles Parish, causing multiple other vats to also rupture. Why is this important? That first vat eruption and subsequent chain reaction, sent nearly 400,000 gallons of beer rushing through the streets of London. Destroying multiple homes and leveled a local brew pub. 6. The American Journal of Epidemiology states that a bottle of beer consumed every day reduces the risk of kidney stones by a whopping 40%. With percentages like that it’s almost insane not to drink beer, right? 7. The most powerful brew ever to grace the lips of humanity comes out of Scotland. Known as Snake Venom to a few and a waking nightmare to most, Snake Venom has a gut wrenching 67.5% ABV. Your average domestic has around 5-6% ABV. And craft beers usually don’t reach much higher that 12 or 13% ABV. 8. The now historical site of Mount Vernon, President George Washington’s stately manor, had its own brew house on the grounds. Early political campaigns lived and died by the brew. In one such campaign George Washington, while running for a seat in the House of Burgesses, provided over 144 gallons of hard cider and countless bottles of wine, beer and brandy… And he won! Voting day was a reason to binge in Colonial times, and the candidate who served up the most hooch often came out victorious. 9. Probably the best phobia I’ve ever heard of, Cenosillicaphobia is the fear of an empty beer glass. So for all our sakes, bartender keep those pints a-comin’! 10. We all know that Oktoberfest is a huge beer festival in Munich, Germany. But did you know that it lasts 16 days! Or that more than 6 million people attend every year? If ever you’re ever short on drinking buddies, Munich in the month of October is the destination for you. Bonus Beer Fact: + For beginning brewers, the sheer quantity of different ingredients can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there’s a great way to learn all of the varieties of malts, hops, yeasts, and even water: Brew and Drink Beer! In other words, the only way to learn ingredients is to taste them. Sample different kinds of malt in your local brew shop, make hot and cold hop teas to formulate taste impressions and ideas, take good notes, get out there with other brewers and beer folks to discuss flavors, share, and of course: drink beer!

10 Cool Facts About Beer! 1. The world’s strongest beer is “Snake Venom” by Brewmeister with 67.5% ABV. 2. Beer is rich in silicon, which increases calcium deposits and minerals for bone tissue. 3. Hops, a beer ingredient, are in the same family of flowering plants as marijuana. 4. The world’s largest beer festival is Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. 5. Czech Republic is the number one country for beer drinking. 6. A study published in American Journal of Epidemiology estimated that a bottle of beer consumed every day reduces the risk of kidney stones by 40%. 7. Beer commercials in the U.S. aren’t allowed to show people drinking beer on television. (Take note next time you watch TV!) 8. Derived from the Greek words ‘zythos’ (beer) and ‘logos’ (study), zythology is the study of beer and beer-making. 9. Fried beer won Most Creative Fried Food at the 2010 Texas State Fair. 10. At the end of Prohibition, Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, ‘What America needs now is a drink.’

20 Interesting Facts About Beer If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably got some interest in beer – or at the very least, a curiosity about it. Well you’re in luck! At Brightside Brewing, we know a thing or two about beer and we’ve put together a list of 20 interesting facts about beer. 1. What is the world’s strongest beer: Snake Venom is recognised as the strongest beer in the world. At 67.5% ABV, it’s sure to put hairs on your chest. It even comes with its own warning, though with such a high alcohol content, whether it is genuinely a beer is debatable! 2. World’s oldest pub: Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Ireland is the oldest pub in the world. Dating back more than 1100 years ago, the pub is still pulling pints today. 3. When was beer first brewed? Beer in it’s most simple form has been brewed for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found evidence of beer production in Mesopotamia (modern day Middle East), dating back to around 5,000 years ago [source: history.com]. 4. Who drinks the most beer?: The Czech Republic takes the crown for beer consumption per capita. With over 140 litres (about 246 pints) consumed annually per person, Czechs are passionate about their beer culture, and it’s not uncommon to see locals enjoying a pint any time of day. 5. German Purity Law: The Reinheitsgebot, or German Purity Law is a series of regulations limiting the ingredients in beer in Germany. The law was first adopted in 1487 and adopted by Bavaria in 1516. Initially it stated that the only ingredients to be used in the production of beer were barley, hops and water. Yeast was later added to aid the fermentation process, and eventually wheat was also permitted. 6. The world’s oldest brewery: Weihenstephan Brewery in Bavaria, Germany, holds the title of the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery. Founded in 1040, it originally operated as part of a Benedictine monastery, which itself dates back even further to 768. That’s a lot of brewing experience! 7. Hops and Flavour: Hops weren’t always a part of beer. They were introduced around the 9th century to add bitterness, balance the sweetness from the malt, and help preserve the beer. Different hop varieties bring a wide range of flavours, from citrusy and floral to earthy and piney notes. 8. IPA Origins: India Pale Ale, or IPA, was created during the 18th century for British soldiers and settlers in India. During the long sea voyages from Great Britain, it was discovered that stronger beers with higher hop content arrived in better condition than those with lower hops and ABV, hence the distinctive signature style, which is still hugely popular today. 9. Oktoberfest is the world’s biggest beer festival: Attracting up to 6 million visitors annually, Oktoberfest in Munich is the world’s largest beer festival. People travel from all over the world to enjoy traditional German food, music, and of course… beer in steins! 10. “Keller” means cellar: In German, the word “Keller” translates to the word cellar. We called our German-style lager Keller as a nod to the ice-filled rooms where beer was once stored in Germany before electric refrigeration became ubiquitous. 11. Beer is supposed to have a head: Contrary to popular belief in Britain, the correct way to enjoy a beer is when it has a head. The head releases the beers aromas and enhances the drinking experience. It’s also an indicator to how fresh the beer is and can be a sign that the beer is well carbonated. 12. Beer was used as a form of payment: Throughout history, there has been evidence to support workers being paid in beer rations. Traded as a form of commodity, soldiers in the Roman army were given a daily allowance of beer as part of their pay. 13. Beer varieties and styles: There are more than 100 different styles of beer. From stouts and porters, to blondes and lagers. No matter what your taste is, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find something you like. 14. Cenosillicaphobia: Yes, this is a real phobia! The fear of an empty beer glass can cause anxiety in those who love a full pint. Luckily, the remedy is simple – make sure to keep the beer flowing and the glasses full. So… Who’s round is it next?! 15. Hop varieties: With over 150 varieties of hops, brewers have a vast palette of flavours and aromas to play with. Some hops impart tropical fruit notes, others might add more herbal flavours, and some are used as an ingredient to help with the beers bitterness. 16. What makes beer hazy?: Wondering what makes a beer hazy? It comes down the ingredients in the brew and how the beer has been filtered. When brewing beer with a high hop content, or lots of grain, if these proteins aren’t filtered out, the beer will have a natural haze to it. Hazy beers are perfectly good to drink, and some people prefer this style of beer for it’s fuller flavour and bitterness (or IBU). 17. White House beer: Back in 2011, Barack Obama brewed his very own beer at the White House. White House Honey Ale was brewed and enjoyed during parties and events hosted during Obamas tenure. 18. Beer baths: In the Czech Republic, they’ve built beer spas where guests can bathe in the good stuff. It’s said to rejuvenate the skin and body (although personally I’d rather drink the stuff). 19. Beer was a soft drink: Until 2011, Russia considered anything less than 10% in alcohol as a soft drink. Beer was sold as an unrestricted product, so it was normal to see people casually swigging beer in the streets and in parks as if it was pop. 20. Head retention: Protein content in the beer, especially from grains like wheat, improves head retention.

Six Things You Never Needed to Know about Beer Water makes up 90% of beer Haven’t you always wondered why beer is so thirst-quenching? Well, a majority of beer is made from life's greatest source, and the quality of water used can have a significant impact on the beer. You'll often hear certain beers described as having or mimicking a regional style, such as an "Irish stout" or a "German lager". This description is not only a reflection of how it's made but also how the beer takes on the characters of the local water. Natural water contains a range of minerals, compounds and microbes that create different levels of pH. Vital influential chemicals include calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and sulfates. These can change everything from the colour to the taste, and a detailed brewer will know how to use these characters to evolve good beers into great ones. The world's most alcoholic beer has an ABV of 67.5% It's called Snake Venom, brewed by none other than the Scots. It was created by Lewis Shand and Joh McKensize from Brewmeister and, at the time of its release, it bumped one of their other beers off the top spot. This paltry attempt was only 60% ABV - pathetic! This potent brew packs quite a punch and is made using smoke peat malt with added ale and champagne yeast. Considering that vodka and whisky typically sit at 40% ABV, the creators recommend only ever to consume 30-35ml at a time. It even comes with a yellow warning label on the neck! The Czech Republic consumes the most beer per capita annually And they’ve sat at the top of this list for 26 years! On average they consume 143.3 litres per capita annually. However, when it comes to alcohol in general, the Czech Republic slips to fourth place, so what is it about the Czechs and beer? Czech is the birthplace of pilsner, with brewing dating back to 993, and beer costs less than bottled water. Without a doubt, Europe is the centre of the beer-drinking world, taking a total of eight spots on the top 10: Austria (3rd), Germany (4th), Poland (5th), Ireland (6th), Romania (7th), Estonia (9th), and Lithuania (10th). Two African countries fill the other spots: Namibia and Seychelles. Beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989 Iceland was the first country in Europe to prohibit all alcoholic beverages in 1915. But, while other forms of alcohol became legalised from as early as 1922, poor old beer remained banned until 1 March 1989. So why did beer take so much longer than everything else? Iceland had long battled with Denmark over their independence and, as the Danes were big fans of a brew, it was viewed as unpatriotic to enjoy one. When bans on other alcohol began to lift in the following decades, the government were concerned that the availability of cheap beer would encourage alcohol abuse. Finally, 74 years later, following protests and pressure from other nearby countries as illegal imports increased, they lifted the ban. This date is now celebrated in Iceland as "Beer Day". Skál! There is an Austrian brewery that allows you to swim in a pool of beer In Tarrenz, in Austria's West, there is a place where you can combine your love of beer with your love of… athletics? Starkenberger Brewery has a pool, filled with beer, which is not only a major novelty but is also said to have benefits for the skin! Beer is rich in calcium and other vitamins that help with skin conditions, and hops have calming agents to help you relax. It goes without saying that you're not supposed to drink the pool beer, and at a few hundred euro for two hours, it's not inexpensive either. But come on, what an experience to add to the bucket list! In 2018, Australia's James Squires Brewery created a beer using yeast from the 1790S This porter-style beer was called The Wreck and produced in collaboration with the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) in Launceston and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) in Adelaide. The yeast used to create it was discovered in Australia’s oldest merchant shipwreck, Sydney Cove, which ran aground near Tasmania’s Preservation Island in 1797 and remained at the bottom of the ocean until 1977. Miraculously, the beer bottles found aboard were still sealed! David Thurrowgood, a chemist-turned-conservator from the QVMAG, set about growing yeast found in the bottles to expose its secrets, and recreate its character for the new beer. Dark in colour with spicy chocolate notes, James Squires recommended that the limited release beer be enjoyed slowly to savour its 220-year-old flavour!

25 Odd Beer Facts You Probably Don’t Know 1. Beer is the Third Most Popular Beverage in the World After water and tea, beer takes the bronze for the most-consumed beverage globally. So, next time you raise a glass, remember you’re part of a long-standing worldwide tradition! 2. The World’s Oldest Beer Recipe is 4,000 Years Old Beer’s origins trace back to ancient Mesopotamia. A 4,000-year-old Sumerian poem contains the oldest recorded beer recipe, calling for barley, water, and emmer (an ancient grain). Beer was already deeply ingrained in human civilization long before modern breweries were even imagined. 3. Beer Was Once Safer to Drink Than Water During medieval times, water was often contaminated, making beer the safer choice for hydration. Since the brewing process involves boiling, it helped eliminate harmful bacteria, making it the go-to drink—even for children! 4. Ancient Babylonians Took Beer Seriously—So Seriously, They Drowned People for Brewing Bad Beer In ancient Babylon, brewing bad beer was a serious crime. In fact, the penalty for serving a bad batch was drowning the brewer in their own product. Talk about harsh feedback! 5. Cenosillicaphobia is the Fear of an Empty Beer Glass It might sound like a joke, but cenosillicaphobia is the actual term for the fear of an empty beer glass. We’ve all been there—there’s something unsettling about seeing your pint drained and waiting for a refill. 6. The First Canned Beer Was Sold in 1935 While beer had been enjoyed for centuries, the first canned beer hit shelves in 1935, thanks to Krueger Brewing Company in the U.S. Cans were more durable and lighter than bottles, making them a revolutionary innovation in beer packaging. 7. The Ancient Egyptians Loved Their Beer The builders of the pyramids were often paid in beer, with workers receiving up to four liters a day. Beer was such an integral part of Egyptian culture that they even had a goddess of beer, Tenenit. 8. Beer Was Critical in the Discovery of Penicillin Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, reportedly did so after returning from vacation to find mold growing in his petri dishes. The mold was similar to yeast strains used in brewing, highlighting beer’s indirect role in the development of modern antibiotics! 9. There’s a Beer Pipeline in Germany In the German town of Zwiesel, a beer pipeline was built to transport beer directly from a brewery to nearby bars. Imagine having fresh beer on tap straight from the brewery—it’s every beer lover’s dream! 10. Beer Is the Perfect Hair Conditioner Here’s one for the DIY beauty enthusiasts: Beer can actually make your hair softer and shinier! The proteins in the malt and hops are said to help repair damaged hair and improve volume. So, in addition to drinking it, you can condition your hair with beer. Just be sure to rinse well! 11. The World’s Strongest Beer Has 67.5% ABV BrewDog’s “Snake Venom” holds the title for the world’s strongest beer, with an eye-popping alcohol by volume (ABV) of 67.5%. That’s stronger than most liquors, so be sure to pace yourself if you ever get your hands on a bottle. 12. Belgium Has the Most Varieties of Beer Belgium is renowned for its diverse beer culture, with over 1,600 different varieties. From lambics to Trappist ales, there’s something for every type of beer drinker in this small but mighty beer-loving country. 13. Beer Foam Actually Enhances Flavor Foam, or “head,” on beer isn’t just for looks—it plays a vital role in the tasting experience. The bubbles help release the beer’s aroma, which is an essential part of how we perceive its flavor. Plus, the foam helps to keep the beer from going flat too quickly. 14. The World’s Oldest Operating Brewery Was Founded in 1040 Weihenstephan Brewery in Bavaria, Germany, is officially the world’s oldest operating brewery, with a history that dates back to 1040 AD. They’ve been perfecting their craft for nearly a thousand years, so you can trust they know a thing or two about making good beer. 15. Beer Was Once Used as Currency In ancient Egypt, workers, including those who built the pyramids, were often paid in beer. It was a staple of their diet, providing hydration, calories, and even a mild buzz to get through those long, hot days of pyramid construction. 16. You Can Bathe in Beer in Europe Several beer spas across Europe offer the chance to soak in a warm tub of beer. It’s said to rejuvenate the skin, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Plus, many of these spas let you drink a beer while you soak in one! 17. Monks Brewed Beer as Part of Their Religious Duty During the Middle Ages, European monks brewed beer in monasteries as a way to nourish themselves during long fasting periods. Some of these monasteries, especially those in Belgium, still produce world-class Trappist beers today. 18. The Czech Republic Drinks the Most Beer Per Capita No one loves beer quite like the Czechs! The Czech Republic holds the record for the most beer consumed per person, with the average citizen drinking around 143 liters of beer each year. 19. Beer Can Be Made from Anything That Has Starch While most beer is made from barley, hops, water, and yeast, you can actually brew beer from almost any starch source. From rice and corn to sweet potatoes and even bananas, beer can be made from a variety of unexpected ingredients. 20. The Longest Hangover Lasted 4 Weeks A Scottish man reportedly suffered from a hangover that lasted four weeks after drinking an estimated 60 pints of beer in one session. This bizarre story is a reminder to always drink responsibly! 21. The Term “Rule of Thumb” Comes from Brewing Beer In medieval Europe, brewers would test the temperature of their beer by sticking their thumb into the liquid. If it was too hot for their thumb, it was too hot to add the yeast. Thus, the phrase “rule of thumb” was born.

Fifteen Fun Facts About Beer Humans all over the world consume 50 billion gallons of beer each year. Budweiser is the world's most famous beer. Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world, dating back to 5000BC! The Czech Republic was the first country ever to have a beer museum. McDonald's sell beer on its menu in countries such as France, Germany, Portugal and South Korea. 'Snake Venom' is the strongest beer in the world with 67.5% alcohol by volume, brewed by Scottish brewery Brewmeister. Every year, Germany organises the biggest beer festival in the world, Oktoberfest. About 6 million people visit the festival. Beer pong was a game invented in the '50s. Former President Barack Obama was the first president ever to brew a beer in the White House. The brewers in Egypt were women. You can swim in a pool of beer at the Schloss Starkenberger brewery in Tarrentz, Austria. Beer is the third most-consumed drink in the world, after water and tea. You can chill a beer in two minutes, just put ice and salt in a bowl and stir. The earliest known building on the site of Downing Street was a brewery. Builders of the 'Great Pyramids' were paid in beer.

Have a GREAT birthday!!!!!

Have a GREAT birthday!!!

Have a GREAT birthday!!!

Have a GREAT birthday!!!

Have a GREAT birthday!!