April 23, 1516 was a memorable day. The Bavarian duke, Wilhelm IV, imposed the oldest regulation on food or drink in the world. This regulation is still on the books today.  This is how beer should be poured out and brewed in both summer and wintertime.

The law on the permissible contents of beer in Germany says that only barley malt, hops, and water may be used when brewing beer.  At this point in time, the advantageous function of yeast in the beer making process was unknown.

The purity law arose in order to contain problems resulting from adulterated beer, however it is viewed as a blessing by beer lovers today because it guarantees quality German beer.  The purity law guarantees the absolute purity of beer. Only because of this law can high-quality German beer be produced.

Many people would agree that German beer is the best beer in the world, of course just as many have other beliefs.  The Germans certainly do have the best Oktoberfest celebrations!!