the Reinheitsgebot

The Reinheitsgebot, also known as the German Beer Purity Law of 1516, was a regulation establishing the allowed ingredients in beer. It mandated that beer could only be made from barley, water, hops, and later yeast. The law aimed to ensure quality, prevent adulteration, and control prices. Over time, it became a symbol of traditional brewing standards in Germany. Today, while modern brewing allows more ingredients, the Reinheitsgebot remains a historic reference to beer purity and craftsmanship, influencing brewing regulations and perceptions of quality in Germany.