German Brewers Want Beer-Law Added To Cultural Heritage List
by Felix Lim
@ 12 Dec 2013
A 500-year-old law governing the production of beer should be added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list, say German brewers. Known as the “Reinheitsgebot”, it was first introduced in Bavaria in 1516. Under it, beers may only be produced using water, malt, hops and yeast, strictly without the use of flavourings or preservatives. In the beginning a measure to protect people from consuming hazardous brews, it has now become a symbol of pride in the undisputed number one beer nation. Brewers believe that this would be a sign of appreciation for their craft as well as an incentive to keep producing top quality beers, in a nation that has seen its per capita beer consumption steadily dropping.
