Beer was the only potable liquid available to northern Europeans in the Middle Ages and brewers were important members of communities in those times. Because beer was the only drink that was freely available and it was drunk be everyone, including children. During the semester we will visit the Anchor Steam Brewery in San Francisco, brew our own beer, and have presentation by class members on the history of beer making, on the process of brewing and on aspects of the biology of barley, hops and yeast. The class will meet at the following times and on Wednesday, January 21 we will devise a schedule for the semester. Course enrollees must participate in the class by giving one presentation and writing a short 3-4 page paper on one of the topics listed above.
Attendance is mandatory.
With the exception of the January 28 visit to Anchor Steam Brewery, you must attend all of the scheduled class meetings. Here is a thumb-nail sketch of the brewing process and brief definitions of beer brewing terms.