Forget what you think you know about your favourite brew. Beer is so much more than just a refreshing drink. Get ready to impress your friends (or maybe just yourself) with these sparkling facts about the world’s oldest and coolest beverage!

Beer is One of the Oldest Beverages in the World

Your Friday night pint is part of an ancient tradition! Beer’s history stretches back over 7,000 years, with mentions appearing as early as 5,000 BC, easily making it one of the world’s oldest prepared beverages.

Straws Were Invented for Beer

Long before they were helping you sip your modern drinks, straws served a very practical purpose for ancient beer drinkers. The Sumerians invented the straw so they could drink their brew without swallowing the chunks, solid particles often suspended in early beers. Archaeologists even found 5,500-year-old straws with traces of barley starch!

The World’s Oldest Pub is Over 1,100 Years Old

Want to drink where history happened? You can! Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Ireland, is officially the oldest pub in the world. Dating back over 1,100 years, this legendary spot is still pulling pints today. Meanwhile, a testament to beer’s heritage is the Benedictine monastery in Břevnov, built in 993, which is one of the oldest monasteries where beer was brewed.

Beer Foam Actually Enhances Flavour

The foamy crown on top of your beer, or the “head,” is more than just good looks – it’s essential for the full tasting experience! The bubbles in the foam play a vital role in releasing the beer’s aroma, which is a huge part of how we perceive its flavour. Plus, the foam helps to keep your beer from going flat too quickly.

Ale vs. Lager

There are two major types of beer: ales and lagers, and their difference comes down to the temperature. Ales are produced from a warm fermentation method. They should be stored in a cool place at 10 – 12°C. Lagers, on the other hand, are made at colder temperatures. They prefer a chillier storage environment of 7 – 10ºC. Failing to store them properly might get in the way of enjoying your favourite drink.

Beer Was Illegal in Iceland until 1989

Imagine a world without beer for almost eight decades! While Iceland banned all alcohol in 1915, and lifted the ban on wine and spirits early on, poor old beer remained outlawed until March 1, 1989. Because the Danes were big fans of beer, and later, authorities feared it would encourage alcohol abuse. Today, March 1st, is celebrated annually in Iceland as “Beer Day.”