The Story of German Beer

This documentary looks at the history of beer starting with the Sumerians who invented it 5,000 years ago.

Prince Luitpold of Bavaria: if Germany were still a monarchy, this member of the House of Wittelsbach would be King of Bavaria.

What does this have to do with beer? His Highness brews one of the best beers in Bavaria. No wonder - it was one of his ancestors that introduced the Reinheitsgebot (German purity law) in 1516, and it remains in force to this day. The only ingredients permitted for the last 500 years are hops, malt and water.