jim@ccieng5.UUCP ( James J. Roche) (05/17/84)
Someone asked about the Bavarian purity decree "Rheinheitsgebot". I went right to my beer drinkers bible for the answer. "The most famous beer law is the Rheinheitsgebot, the Bavarian purity decree of 1516 which is still enforced in Germany for domestically consumed brews. Several other European countries, including Switzerland, have adopted it as well. Essentially the wording, combined with the modern interpretation of this historic document, mandates that beer can be made with only four ingredients: Barley (plus wheat in the case of wheat beers), hops, yeast and water. Under no circumstances can the brewer use adjuncts such as corn or rice or chemical additives. The Rheinheitsgebot doesn't cover the German beer we import, but most of the quality brewers nonetheless abide by it for all their products." The source for the above was: The Gourmet Guide to Beer by Howard Hillman, page 155. By the way the book is an excellent book. The author provides background into judging beers, buying beers, how beer is made, etc. He also rates about 500 brands of domestic and imported beers on a scale of 0 mugs to 5 mugs. For the record the 2 American biggies Miller and Budwiser both received 2 mugs. -- Jim Roche Computer Consoles Inc. ccieng5:jim (internal) seismo!rlgvax!ccieng5!jim (UUCP)