Many years ago – centuries in fact – it was discovered that the way to brew the best ales and beers was to use only malt, hops, water and yeast in the brewing process. In the 15th Century in Germany this was taken a stage further with the introduction of the “Reinheitsgebot” – a law prohibiting the use of any ingredients in the brewing process other than these raw materials.

This law stood until only a few years ago when the EEC over-ruled the “Reinheitsgebot” which they considered to be a barrier to free-trade within Europe! In spite of this the breweries have refused to change their recipes and still brew using only the four magic ingredients – their customers would not be satisfied with anything less, they tell us.