Brewers celebrate 500th anniversary of Reinheitsgebot

If international media coverage is an indication, the German Reinheitsgebot for beer (the so-called purity law) has lost its relevance to consumers around the world – assuming that it ever had one. Especially in the U.S., reports on the celebrations to mark its 500th anniversary were scarce and few in between, the reason being that the U.S., thanks to the craft brewers, has managed to establish a beer culture so vibrant and innovative that it can put Germany to shame.

Meanwhile over in Germany, brewers came to the Bavarian town of Ingolstadt, where 500 years ago the purity law was decreed, for a series of celebrations over three days (21 to 23 April 2016). The location – a huge marquee like at the Oktoberfest – and decorated in Bavaria’s colours white and blue – underlined what was to come: a party Oktoberfest-style with oompah music to boot.

Had it not been for Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel gracing the event with her presence and a speech, the festivities would have lacked both significance and emotion. The chancellor’s speech was by far the best.

Although Ms Merkel started out by highlighting her firm commitment to free trade agreements, like the controversial TTIP between Europe and the U.S., she scored many laughs when she quoted Chancellor Otto von Bismarck "that it seems to be a basic need that when people share a beer they like to speak ill of their government.”

Ms Merkel then stroked brewers’ souls by saying that they display great creativity when it comes to producing a beer with only four ingredients. And she quoted Martin Luther, who reportedly commented that those who have no beer have nothing to drink.

An estimated total of around 1500 brewing industry members attended the celebrations. After all, despite of what critics may think of the Reinheitsgebot, there are few laws that have endured for 500 years.