Reinhardtsgebot (German Beer Purity Law)

Reinhardtsgebot, commonly known as the German Beer Purity Law of 1516, was a regulation that set standards for brewing beer in Germany. It primarily allowed only three ingredients: water, barley (or malted barley), and hops. The law aimed to ensure quality, prevent adulteration, and stabilize prices. Yeast was later recognized as a necessary ingredient, but at the time, its role wasn’t fully understood. This law helped preserve traditional brewing practices, ensuring consumers received a pure and consistent product. It remains a symbol of Germany’s commitment to brewing quality and purity.