History of Beer

Here at Shongweni Brewery we are happy to continue a tradition that started over 10,000 years ago for the discovery of beer was, in all likelihood, a chance occurrence somewhere in Africa when someone used damp, sprouted barley or grain to make ‘putu’ or African porridge.

When the porridge was heated the enzymes converted starches into sugar and when left it fermented and beer was produced. All ancient brewing started with porridge and still today the mash reflects this history.

In fact, Africa has played a major role in the history of beer. The Egyptians had massive breweries and it is believed that up to forty percent of the grain stores of ancient Egyptian cities would have been given over to beer production, not surprising when beer actually formed part of the Egyptian currency as skilled workers on the pyramids received beer each day.

From the beginning beer was the domain of women, a tradition that Shongweni Brewery continues with our female director. In fact until medieval European times it was the women, or as they were known ‘alewifes or brewsters’ that ran the beer production. But as men ‘gave up’ women and went to become monks, the monastries of Europe probably became the first commercial breweries in the sense that we would recognise one today.

Across Europe the making of beer began to fall under the control of the clergy or royal households who collected taxes on the production and tightly maintained their grip on the knowledge needed to produce beer. While part of this practice may have been purely financially driven in time the system came to protect the quality of the beer produced and the Bavarians, in 1516, created the Reinheitsgebot or ‘Beer Purity Law’ stating that beer could only be made from barley malt, hops and water, though wheat was added later. This set the German brewing industry on its modern course.

Elsewhere in Europe particular beer styles were developed and exported to the corners of the world as Empires expanded and contracted, trade routes were established, and beer was the ‘grease on the axle of commerce and exploration’. Some of these beers were produced in such great volumes that they became recognised styles, such as the India Pale Ales brewed in Britian and exported to India via the Cape. These still exist today and, in common with many excellent beers, are brewed by dedicated brewers and brewsters around the world.

Beer has much to offer in terms of flavour, aroma, and style. It is at home in the pub as it is on the finest dining table. Try real beer and we are sure that you too will come to appreciate what a fine, and noble, drink it really is.