There are many fun sounding long compound words in German, Reinheitsgebot is one that you should learn. The Reinheitsgebot, also known as the (Bavarian) Beer Purity Law was formally established in 1516. The law decreed that the only permissible ingredients in beer were water, barley, and hops. Notice that yeast is not included? That is because at the time it was unknown that yeast was a crucial aspect of any beer recipe…they just assumed it was magic back then. The main purpose of the law was too control supply and demand so that there would be sufficient wheat and rye to still make breads and other staples (because unfortunately, man cannot live on beer alone). The law also set the allowed rates for selling beer. Brewers could have their wares confiscated if they broke the Reinheitsgebot with no compensation.

While in our modern society it may seem frivolous to have such a beverage purity law, it is important to remember how scarce resources were at the time and that weights and measures could not often be trusted by the common man. The law was even an important part of German unification (not be confused with german Reunification in 1990). In our modern times the Reinheitsgebot has been repealed, but you will still often hear people talk about "pure" beers and criticize beers that have fruits (e.g., Lambics) as being inferior. However, beer should be about taste and creativity – and you should enjoy whatever variety of beer you like.

The following is an English translation of the Reinheitsgebot (German Purity Law) adopted in 1516, the oldest provision still enforced to protect the consumer. This is taken from the article "History of German Brewing" by Karl J. Eden, published in 'zymurgy' magazine, Vol. 16, No. 4 Special 1993.

"We hereby proclaim and decree, by Authority of our Province, that henceforth in the Duchy of Bavaria, in the country as well as in the cities and marketplaces, the following rules apply to the sale of beer:

From Michaelmas to Georgi, the price for one Mass [Bavarian Liter 1,069] or one Kopf [bowl-shaped container for fluids, not quite one Mass], is not to exceed one Pfennig Munich value, and

From Georgi to Michaelmas, the Mass shall not be sold for more than two Pfennig of the same value, the Kopf not more than three Heller [Heller usually one-half Pfennig].

If this not be adhered to, the punishment stated below shall be administered.

Should any person brew, or otherwise have, other beer than March beer, it is not to be sold any higher than one Pfennig per Mass.

Furthermore, we wish to emphasize that in future in all cities, markets and in the country, the only ingredients used for the brewing of beer must be Barley, Hops and Water. Whosoever knowingly disregards or transgresses upon this ordinance, shall be punished by the Court authorities' confiscating such barrels of beer, without fail.

Should, however, an innkeeper in the country, city or markets buy two or three pails of beer (containing 60 Mass) and sell it again to the common peasantry, he alone shall be permitted to charge one Heller more for the Mass of the Kopf, than mentioned above. Furthermore, should there arise a scarcity and subsequent price increase of the barley (also considering that the times of harvest differ, due to location), WE, the Bavarian Duchy, shall have the right to order curtailments for the good of all concerned."

For more check out:

• Wikipedia
• Google Timeline
• A Powerpoint on the Reinheitsgebot [Download PPT] [Web View]