Believe it or not, some of the oldest beer styles are the ones we still drink today. So, let’s crack open a cold one and dive into the ancient history of beer.
Lager
You might think of lagers as a modern classic, but they date back over 500 years. Lagers are one of the oldest beer styles still in regular rotation, originating in Bavaria (southern Germany) around the 15th century. It was the cool, underground caves that made it possible. Brewers discovered that if they stored beer in cold, dark places, it would ferment slowly and come out crisp, clean and smooth. That’s why the name “lager” actually comes from the German word “lagern,” meaning “to store.”
If you’ve ever had a crisp, refreshing lager (think pilsner or helles), you’re enjoying a beer style that has survived centuries of brewing evolution.
Ale
While lagers are old, ales are ancient! Sumerians, Egyptians and Celts were brewing ales as far back as 6,000 BCE. Early ales were made with wild yeast and fermenting grains, meaning they were likely much more unpredictable in flavor and alcohol content than the beers we enjoy today.
Historically, ales were brewed without hops, which weren’t introduced to beer-making until the medieval era. Instead, herbs, spices and even fruit were used to flavor the brew.
Barleywine
Barleywine is another ancient style with deep roots. While it might seem like a newer, more niche brew today, barleywine’s origins stretch back to England in the 1700s, though its style is said to trace back to much earlier, medieval times. It’s made with a massive amount of malted barley, resulting in a strong, often sweet beer with an ABV that can rival wine, hence the name.
The “wine” in barleywine was a reference to its strength and drinkability, as English brewers of the 17th and 18th centuries loved brewing strong beers to compete with the popularity of wine. Barleywine has only become more popular in modern craft beer circles, but it’s been around for centuries.
Wheat Beer
Wheat beer, another old-world style, dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who were brewing beers with a wheat-barley blend as early as 3,000 BCE. However, wheat beer in its modern form came to the forefront in Germany, particularly in Bavaria, where Hefeweizen is a staple.
Due to their ability to ferment at higher temperatures, wheat beers were popular in warmer regions. They also have a refreshing, light body that made them the ideal drink during the hot summer months.
So, What’s the Oldest of Them All?
If we’re talking about the absolute oldest beer style that we still enjoy today, the crown should likely go to the Ale. Ales have been brewed for thousands of years, longer than lagers, barleywines or wheat beers, and have evolved through countless different cultures and brewing techniques. Modern-day ale styles like pale ales, IPAs, and stouts have their roots in this ancient brew, showing just how far beer has come.
So next time you crack open a cold ale, lager, or wheat beer, know that you’re tasting a piece of history.
Cheers!