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.

History of 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 legislation 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 an adequate 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.

Fun with Beer

• • Beer trivia! Discover Fun Beer Trivia.
  • 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.

Books on the History of Beer

Bamforth, C. Brewmaster’s Art: the History and Science of Beermaking. Prince Frederick, MD : Recorded Books, 2009.

Burnett, J. Liquid Pleasures: a Social History of Drinks in Modern Britain. London: Routledge, 1999. (Including beer in the 17th century.)

King, A. Beer Has a History. London: Hutchinson’s, 1947.