That brings up the topic of beer---and particularly German beer.
In Germany, going green when it comes to beer and wine
production isn't a trend---it's a century-old tradition and a
central part of quality. The German Purity Law for beer, signed
by Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria in 1516, is the oldest food
regulation in the world. It remains the law for every beer
brewed in Germany today (see a translation of the law below).
Known as Reinheitsgebot, the law decreed that only pure and
essential ingredients be used when making beer. Only three
ingredients allowed were allowed: barley, hops and water. Today,
of course, yeast is also recognized as a vital ingredient. Yeast
was a brewing element whose effect was not understood at the
time the law was written. As a result of the Reinheitsgebot,
German beer became renowned for its quality and consistency, a
reputation it holds to this day. More than 900 breweries operate
in Germany and they all adhere to the purity law. German Beer
Purity Law, 1516 We hereby proclaim an