This is the perfect article for history buffs and people who are generally curious. An interest in the past can turn out to be an investment in our present. We should truly acknowledge where our origins have come from and appreciate them to the fullest.
Today, we will be discussing a tipsy trip back in time to find out who invented alcohol and discovered it first. We will go from ancient times and will stumble across mythologies along the way as well.
This topic is mysterious and has been poked around plenty before. However, it is a tricky one because of its roots. Alcohol has been present so far back in our history that it’s hard to determine its origins. So best you buckle up and get ready for some questions to be answered!
The Ancient Alcohol: A Toast to Our Ancestors
One thing that is easy to picture at times is the making of alcohol. The direct image that comes to our mind is grapes seeping liquid which ferments into a beautiful red wine. In reality, things were more rusty than that. That is because the origins of alcohol are way older than the discovery of some of these processes.
A realistic picture would be ancient nomads wandering around and accidentally running into some fermented fruit. Due to the sheer unavailability of literally anything back then, they used to craft tools with sticks and stones. So these were the times we are talking about.
Our early ancestors leaving out fruit in a cave full of moisture is something that makes sense. Eventually, the fruit is exposed to yeast, and having fermented is also plausible because of them not being quite so aware of that either.
It is known that this is how they accidentally ran into alcohol. The sugar from the wild fruits being mixed with the yeast would cause an immediate intoxicated state in them after consumption. They probably liked the buzz and euphoria and kept repeating the process until, with time, it became refined. This is what is widely believed to be the origin.
Tipsy Tales and Mythical Brews
Alcohol eventually integrated into many stories and myths after being consumed often. The ancient Sumerians were an example; they were all about alcohol as well. The poems originating from Mesopotamia show high praise for their goddess Ninkasi who was known to be a protector of beer. Beer was also something they believed to be a gift from the gods when in reality they practically discovered that on accident.
Then come the Greek gods and their epic tales and stories. They talk a lot about Dionysus, who was the Greek god of wine. He was famous for overindulging and knowing how to party, well, for that time’s standard at least.
Even the Norse gods heavily involved alcohol in their myths and tales, which are still read today, Norse folks unironically believed in a paradise which was called Valhalla. That would be the place where they would go in the afterlife. There, they would spend an eternity sipping on mead and fighting Odin.
Booze And Monks
After the Ancient and Mediaeval times, let’s look at the Middle Ages. This is when Monasteries were the hub for booze. The monks dedicated themselves to their divine journeys but also took out the time to perfect distillation. This unlocked a whole new world of potent potables.
They expected everything from herbal liquors to spirits, working tirelessly to perfect every process to get the best outcomes. If it weren’t for their intervention, alcohol could not be so modern. Sure, someone else would do it, but they played a big role in speeding up the process of alcohol evolving.
So, Who Invented Alcohol?
Now, this is when everyone would be expecting a clear-cut answer which points all fingers toward one civilization, group, or region. Well, unfortunately, that is not the case. The twist is that when it comes to the question of who discovered alcohol first, there is no one protagonist.
While we have some pretty good inclination of who played what role but there I’ll never just be one single answer to this question. The history of alcohol is diverse and has a variety of different factors. Different societies, cultures, and traditions have also played a big part. From ancient nomads to monks, everyone paid their due diligence, so the history of alcohol is much too interesting.
Conclusion
While it may never be clear as to who discovered alcohol, we are happy and have a great appreciation for whoever did, right? It is nothing short of a gift toad mankins which we all are happy to cherish. So the next time you indulge in alcohol, keep all these different stories in mind and appreciate them to the fullest!
FAQs
Who invented alcohol?
The irony is that there isn’t just one hero when it comes to the debate over who developed alcohol initially. Although we have a very decent idea of who plays what part, there will never be just one correct response.
When was alcohol first discovered?
That’s because the history of alcohol predates the discovery of some of these mechanisms by a very long time. A plausible scenario would be that some traveling ancient nomads might come across some fermented fruit.
Did alcohol play a significant role in mythology and religion?
Alcohol has been prominent in mythology and religion since the beginning. Various cultures have different relations with alcohol depending on these ideologies. Alcohol has been used in religious ceremonies for a long time. Similarly, Greeks gods and goddesses were looked up to if they consumed alcohol.
How has alcohol evolved in modern times?
Modern times have influenced people to make unique blends. All kinds of different alcohol are being brewed thanks to creativity and inspiration. From breweries to wineries, everyone wants to come out with their special testing product. With the use of interesting ingredients, a large variety gets created now catering to all kinds of flavor palates.
What can we learn from the history of alcohol?
It shows us that humans have been curious and smart since the test of time. It showcases how humans have managed to discover so many things on their own, even if they were done so by accident.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
