The history of beer in the 17th century was one of modest change. Improved transportation meant that beer could be shipped to as far as the New World. There were also both legal changes and technical innovations.
This is Part of a Series of Timelines.
History of Beer Before Christianity.
History of Beer in Early Christianity & Beyond.
Beer History in the 15th Century.
History of Beer in the 16th Century.
History of Beer in the 17th Century.
Beer History in the 18th Century.
History of Beer in the 19th Century.
History of Beer in the 20th Century & Beyond.
You might be interested in these.
- World History of Alcohol & Drinking Timeline.
- Alcohol and Drinking History in America Timeline.
- World History of Wine Timeline.
- World History of Liquor (Spirits) Timeline
- Beer Quiz: How Much Do You Know about Beer?
- Cola vs Beer: Which is Better for Health?
- Beer is Better than Milk for Good Health & Weight.
- Beer trivia!
Beer in the 17th Century
17th Century
- Beer brewing was one of the earliest industries in colonial North America.
- Cultivation of hops began in the colony of Massachusetts.
- Brewing was encouraged by law in the colony of Maryland.
Cir. 1600
The Finnish Saga of Kalewala was written down from oral tradition. It describes using hops in brewing beer.
1602
Dr. Alexander Nowell, the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, discovered that ale could be stored longer in glass bottles sealed with corks.

1607
The first shipment of beer from England arrived in the colony of Virginia.
1609
The Virginia colonists advertised in London for a brewer.
1612
The first known brewery in the New World was on the southern tip of New Amsterdam. That’s what is now Manhattan in New York City.
1614
• For the first time, England imposed a levy on malt.
• The first non-native was born in North America. It was in a brewhouse. The child, Jean Vigne, grew up to become the first brewer born in the New World.
1620
Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in the colony of Massachusetts aboard the Mayflower. Beer was extremely short supply on board and the seamen forced the passengers ashore. This was to ensure that they would have enough beer for their return trip to England.
1634




• Ireland began licensing the retailers of alcoholic beverages.
• The first brewery was built in the colony of Massachusetts.
1637
Boston licensed a tavern.
1643
The English Parliament first introduced levies on beer. It was to finance its fight against the Crown.
1648




The island of St. Martin in the Caribbean was divided between France and the Netherlands. The northern part went to France as Saint Martin. The southern part went to the the Netherlands as Saint Maarten. There is a legend that a Frenchman and a Dutchman stood back to back at the center of the island. They then paced off their shares. The Dutchman stopped often to drink beer. As a result, the Netherlands received a smaller part of the island.
1671
King Charles II of England approved an act for exporting “Beer, Ale, and Mum.”
1672
In Dublin, with about 4,000 families, there were 1,180 ale-houses and 91 public houses.
1674
Harvard College opened its own brewhouse. This was to ensure that students would have a supply of good beer.
1680s
Beer was the major drink in England. Consumption rose throughout the decade to 104 gallons per capita for the entire population.
1680
William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania, opened a commercial brewery in the colony.
1698
The British measure of a pint was introduced. It consists of 568 milliliters. This pour became the standard size for beer and cider. Pubs were allowed to serve beer only as a pint, or a third or half of that measure.
Explorations
We’ve had a look at beer in the 17th century. Now we have a chance to discover the History of Beer in the 18th Century.
Beer in the 17th Century
Popular Books
- Bamforth, C. Brewmaster’s Art: the History and Science of Beermaking. Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books.
- Burnett, J. Liquid Pleasures: a Social History of Drinks in Modern Britain. London: Routledge. (Includes history of beer in the 17th century.)
- King, A. Beer Has a History. London: Hutch.
Note
- Know of any items for beer in the 17th century? If so, please contact hansondj [at sign] potsdam [dot] edu/. And thank you for your help!