The history of beer is an important chapter in the history of humanity. It provides a glimpse into the human soul, its highs and lows, as well as its dark depths. Beer is more than a national drink in Bavaria; it is a tribal badge, a genetic fingerprint, a liquid synonym – in a sense, the mother's milk of the Bavarians. It is part of the essentials and signatures of Bavarian lifestyle and drinking culture. However, beer is not a Bavarian invention, as its various forms and early versions can be traced back thousands of years far beyond Europe, with written evidence even found in the Ancient Orient. This generously illustrated book spans a vast arc from the archaic beginnings of brewing to the fundamental knowledge of microbiology necessary for it. It offers a captivating cultural and social history.