Five Myths About Beer

A recent article from the Washington Post takes a closer look at beer, America’s perennial favorite summer drink. Beer aficionados do not have the modest brand choices they did in the past, says the article. Modern supermarkets, liquor stores, and bars offer a veritable selection of classic and craft beers for any discriminating taste. In the midst of celebrating this venerable beverage, the reporter lists some common brewsky myths to dispel.

The first tall tale the article lists is that the Midwest is the home of beer making. There were many German and Irish immigrants who settled in this area, and brought their brewery skills with them. Some of the most well-known beers hail from the Midwest, says the article. However, the reporter cites archeological evidence from natives in North and South America and how they processed and enjoyed their own fermented brews. Beers have also been made in parts of New England since colonial days, the article states.

Look out guys, because we are not the only ones who enjoy a pint or two. Just because beer advertising has always been geared toward men does not mean women do not drink it. To nix the second myth, the reporter mentions how brewing beer was often the task of colonial housewives and female slaves. Women drank beer in the Old West saloons as much as men did. During the 40s, female factory workers liked to down a cold one after work, says the article. There are many microbreweries in America that are run by women. The favor of beer is not decided by gender, according to the reporter.

Those who still think that craft breweries are always small businesses are falling for the third myth. The article says that the Brewers Association considers some of America’s top breweries as craft breweries. Statistics that the reporter shared stated that craft beer represented about 12% of the total market in beer consumption. Some of them just seem small because of the grand scale of the mega beer companies, explains the article.

Contrary to the fourth myth, craft beer is not a modern invention. It just seems that way since the market has flooded with special brands over the past couple of decades, says the article. Actually, shares the reporter, beer brewers have been experimenting with hops, ales, and stouts since the 1960s. These cottage industry brews caught on in many areas as beer enthusiasts tried different craft beers.

When people consider aged drinks, they probably think of wine or whiskey. Conventional wisdom says that beer should be consumed fresh. While that may be true of certain types of beer, it is a myth that only wine and other drinks can be aged, says the article. Brewing experts have created wonderful flavors and nuances by aging their beer.
With all of these myths shattered, have a cold beer and toast to the truth!