Purity law (Reinheitsgebot)
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “History and beer culture”.
Explanation
Bavarian decree of 23 April 1516, issued in Ingolstadt: beer could only be made from barley, hops and water. Yeast was still unknown at the time. The law was meant to ensure quality and also protected wheat and rye for bread. Its principles still apply in Germany today, and 23 April is celebrated as the Day of German Beer. Switzerland has no purity law, but other ingredients must be declared.
Test your knowledge
In which year was the Bavarian purity law issued?
- 1516
- 1810
- 1842
Show answer
Correct: 1516. The Bavarian dukes issued the law in Ingolstadt on 23 April 1516. That is why 23 April is the Day of German Beer.
Which ingredients did the 1516 purity law allow?
- Barley, hops and water
- Barley, hops, water and yeast
- Wheat, hops and water
Show answer
Correct: Barley, hops and water. Yeast is missing because nobody knew about it at the time. People only knew that beer ferments.
What are the four basic ingredients of beer?
- Water, barley, honey and yeast
- Water, malt, hops and yeast
- Water, sugar, hops and wheat
Show answer
Correct: Water, malt, hops and yeast. The Bavarian purity law of 1516 only named barley, hops and water – yeast was still unknown at the time.