A toast for history: beer and legacy
Beer, that unconditional friend of meetings and celebrations, has been present in humanity since time immemorial, even surpassing its most direct competitor: wine. This refreshing drink is, in fact, older than many of the millenary delicacies we enjoy today, even more than bread. Imagine, 13 thousand years ago, our ancestors discovering fermentation and giving their first sips to this golden elixir.
The ancient sumeria beer journey
It is not until the 5th century B.C. that records begin to document the intentional production of beer in Sumeria. It was in Mesopotamia where the beer legend began, considered by many as the “midwife of civilization”, since its influence extended to agriculture, commerce and even medicine. His relevance was such that he was dedicated to Ninkasi, the goddess of beer, such a central figure in the Sumerian culture that was paid tribute through songs and rituals.
Ninkasi: the brewing goddess
Ninkasi was not just an imaginary figure; It became a symbol of deep appreciation that the Sumerians felt for beer. An anonymous poet, inspired by his creative powers, dedicated a hymn around 1800 B.C. In this poem not only the goddess is celebrated, but also an ancestral recipe for the preparation of the drink is transmitted. This anthem, which has been translated by the renowned Sumerologist Miguel Civil, constitutes the oldest legacy of the elaboration of beer we know.
The magic of recreating Ninkasi
Would you imagine drinking the same beer that our ancestors enjoyed 4,000 years ago? Fritz Maytag, former owner of a brewery in San Francisco, made this experience possible. In the American Association of Micro Brewers Convention in 1991, he presented the result of his enthusiasm for history: the ‘Ninkasi Beer’. With an alcoholic content of a modest 3.5% ABV and a flavor that remembers a soft and light cider, this beer is a challenge and a delight for today’s brewers.
A hymn in each sip
The ‘Hymn to Ninkasi’ takes us to a poetic tour of the art of brewing. Meticulously describes every step of the process, from the mixture of the dough to the last sip of this magical drink. The letter of this ancient anthem reflects not only the ingredients and methods of its time, but also a rich social culture in which beer was the center of the celebrations and a symbol of the community.
A tradition that endures
As we lift our jugs and celebrate the invention of this millenary drink, it is important to remember how beer has been a pillar in the development of civilization. From those distant days of Sumeria to the modern artisanal breweries, the story of Ninkasi and its legacy continues to inspire us to experience, create and enjoy. So, the next time you raise a drink, remember that you are not just drinking a beer; You are savoring thousands of years of tradition.