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The Origins of Non-Alcoholic Beer in Ancient Civilisations
For centuries, non-alcoholic beer has been around, but have you ever stopped to ponder its past? In this article, we'll take a journey back in time to uncover the surprising history of non-alcoholic beer in ancient civilisations. From its ancient Egyptian roots to its modern-day fame, we'll uncover the fascinating story of non-alcoholic beer.
So, grab a (non-alcoholic) beer and join us as we uncover the unexpected origins of non-alcoholic beer in ancient civilisations!
The Earliest Days
Non-alcoholic beer, also known as alcohol-free or low-alcohol beer, has been around for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient civilizations. In fact, the earliest known non-alcoholic beer was brewed in ancient Egypt around 5000 B.C.E.
According to ancient Sumerian legend, beer was discovered by a goddess named Ninkasi. The story goes that Ninkasi was out gathering grains when it started to rain, causing the grains to ferment and turn into beer.
Ninkasi was so pleased with her discovery that she decided to share it with the rest of the world. She taught the people of Sumer how to make beer, and it quickly became a staple in their diet. The Sumerians believed that beer was a gift from the gods and that it had the power to bring people together and promote harmony.
Non-alcoholic beer was also consumed in ancient Egypt, they called it "zythos" which was consumed by all social classes, including children and pregnant women. They believed that beer, which was made from barley, was a nutritious and healthy drink that provided essential vitamins and minerals. They also believed that the fermentation process helped to purify the beer and make it safe to drink.
Ninkasi was so pleased with her discovery that she decided to share it with the rest of the world. She taught the people of Sumer how to make beer, and it quickly became a staple in their diet. The Sumerians believed that beer was a gift from the gods and that it had the power to bring people together and promote harmony.
Non-alcoholic beer was also consumed in ancient Egypt, they called it "zythos" which was consumed by all social classes, including children and pregnant women. They believed that beer, which was made from barley, was a nutritious and healthy drink that provided essential vitamins and minerals. They also believed that the fermentation process helped to purify the beer and make it safe to drink.
This beer, later known as "small beer," was consumed by all members of society, including children and workers, as it was safer to drink than water due to the brewing process that killed off harmful bacteria - they typically have less than 2-3% ABV.
In ancient Mesopotamia, a similar beer called "kash," which was made from barley and was considered a staple food. This beer was often used in religious ceremonies and was believed to have medicinal properties.
As civilisations developed, so did the production of alcohol-free beer. In medieval Europe, monasteries were known for brewing this alternative for the monks who were required to abstain from alcohol.
A Bit Later
During the 19th century, the temperance movement led to an increase in the popularity of non-alcoholic beer. This movement aimed to reduce the consumption of alcohol, promote a healthier lifestyle, but mainly, many saw alcohol has a cause of societal issues. Many breweries began to produce it as an alternative to traditional beer to circumvent legal barriers.
During the temperance movement in the United States, non-alcoholic beer was widely promoted as a safer alternative to alcoholic beer. One interesting story from this period is about a man named Claude R. Hopkins. Hopkins was a successful advertising executive who was hired by a company called Schlitz Brewing Company to promote their new "near beer" product, which was a non-alcoholic version of their regular beer.
Hopkins came up with a clever marketing campaign that emphasized the health benefits of non-alcoholic beer. He claimed that Schlitz's near beer was made with pure, natural ingredients and was free from the impurities found in regular beer. He also stressed that it was a safe alternative for people who wanted to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol.
The campaign was a huge success, and Schlitz's near beer became one of the most popular non-alcoholic beers of the time. However, it was later revealed that the near beer still contained a small amount of alcohol and that Hopkins had made false claims about the purity of the product. Despite this, the campaign had already done its job and Schlitz's near beer continued to be popular even after the truth was revealed.
Hopkins came up with a clever marketing campaign that emphasized the health benefits of non-alcoholic beer. He claimed that Schlitz's near beer was made with pure, natural ingredients and was free from the impurities found in regular beer. He also stressed that it was a safe alternative for people who wanted to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol.
The campaign was a huge success, and Schlitz's near beer became one of the most popular non-alcoholic beers of the time. However, it was later revealed that the near beer still contained a small amount of alcohol and that Hopkins had made false claims about the purity of the product. Despite this, the campaign had already done its job and Schlitz's near beer continued to be popular even after the truth was revealed.
Where We Are Today
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in non-alcoholic beers that are made with high-quality, natural ingredients and offer a more complex flavor profile than traditional non-alcoholic beers.
There are a number of companies now, big and small, to tackle the problem that non-alcoholic beer options were limited and not very satisfying.
Now, there are a lot more non-alcoholic beers that are more fully flavored and satisfying, using ingredients such as hops, malt, and yeast to create a taste that is similar to that of traditional beers.
There are a number of companies now, big and small, to tackle the problem that non-alcoholic beer options were limited and not very satisfying.
Now, there are a lot more non-alcoholic beers that are more fully flavored and satisfying, using ingredients such as hops, malt, and yeast to create a taste that is similar to that of traditional beers.
Where We Are Going
In the future, non-alcoholic beer will be much more than just a tasty alternative to traditional beer. The future of non-alcoholic beer is all about the functional, providing a buzz to consumers beyond just the taste and a complete replacement of the alcohol drinking experience.
Imagine a world where non-alcoholic beers are infused with ingredients that not only taste great but also provide specific benefits traditionally (perceived to be) fulfilled by alcohol, like reduced anxiety, or improved sleep. These non-alcoholic beers will be designed to mimic the effects of alcohol, giving consumers the feeling of a buzz without the negative side effects associated with drinking too much.
One company that's at the forefront of this trend is "IMPOSSIBREW", they've developed a line of non-alcoholic beers infused with nootropics - compounds that promote relaxation. Their beers are formulated with a blend of natural ingredients such as L-Theanine, amino acids, and B-vitamins that are known to support alert relaxation with GABA receptors in the brain. They have become extremely popular among office workers, students, and gamers who want to enjoy a beer, able to reduce stress, anxiety and improve sleep - all without sacrificing their morning the next day.
Imagine a world where non-alcoholic beers are infused with ingredients that not only taste great but also provide specific benefits traditionally (perceived to be) fulfilled by alcohol, like reduced anxiety, or improved sleep. These non-alcoholic beers will be designed to mimic the effects of alcohol, giving consumers the feeling of a buzz without the negative side effects associated with drinking too much.
One company that's at the forefront of this trend is "IMPOSSIBREW", they've developed a line of non-alcoholic beers infused with nootropics - compounds that promote relaxation. Their beers are formulated with a blend of natural ingredients such as L-Theanine, amino acids, and B-vitamins that are known to support alert relaxation with GABA receptors in the brain. They have become extremely popular among office workers, students, and gamers who want to enjoy a beer, able to reduce stress, anxiety and improve sleep - all without sacrificing their morning the next day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, non-alcoholic beer has been around for centuries and has played an important role in the history of many ancient civilisations. From being a staple food in Mesopotamia to being a safer alternative to water in ancient Egypt, non-alcoholic beer has evolved over time to become the popular alternative to traditional beer that it is today.
With the rise of the health and wellness trend, it's no surprise that more and more people are turning to non-alcoholic beer as a healthier alternative to traditional beer.
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What is IMPOSSIBREW®?
IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non-alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative using patent-pending technology.
Founded by Mark Wong in 2021 and working with some of the world's best professors, scientists and expert brewers, IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling.
Product Range
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a range of enhanced non-alcoholic beers, including:
- Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV)
- Enhanced Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
- Limited Editions (Seasonal)
Key Benefits
The key feature that sets IMPOSSIBREW® apart is its proprietary "Social Blend™" - a combination of active botanical ingredients and nootropics using patent-pending technology* designed to recreate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the negative side effects.
Along with record-breaking quality flavour that comes from a unique process without removing alcohol.
Social Blend™ Ingredients
Developed with leading scientists in top UK universities, Social Blend™ includes:
- L-Theanine
- Ashwaghanda
- Soluble Plant Fibres
- Vitamin B1
- Various Plant Extracts.
These ingredients are chosen for their potential to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to the "one or two pint feeling" without hangovers.
See more details on our very own research paper, with over 1,000 participants:
- More than 70% said they felt relaxed after consuming IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 88% have reduced alcohol consumption since discovering IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 95% have told a friend about IMPOSSIBREW® after trying.
- 3/4 say that IMPOSSIBREW® is "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today".
Recognition
IMPOSSIBREW® has received several notable achievements:
- Featured on BBC's Dragons' Den
- Awarded the first and only Gold Medal in the No/Low beer category from the London Beer Competition
- Received multiple industry Gold awards in categories against Full-ABV beers
- Most followed No/Low Alcohol brand on TikTok globally.
Mission and Vision
IMPOSSIBREW® is on a mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinking by creating better-than-alcohol alternatives for those who love beer but want to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The company aims to become the global leading alcohol alternative brand, focusing on helping people transition to a healthier mode of relaxation without the traditional issues and side effects of alcohol.
Production and Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with their proprietary Social Blend™ along with patent-pending technology*
The beers are made with traditional brewing ingredients such as water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, in addition to the Social Blend™ components - leveraging their unique cryogenic fermentation process, which means no alcohol is ever removed from the product - ensuring the most authentic quality taste you've come to expect.
Who is it for?
IMPOSSIBREW® caters to consumers who:
- Are busy professionals and parents who would like to unwind with a drink but don't want the hangovers.
- Enjoy the taste and relaxing experience of beer
- Are looking for healthier alternatives to alcohol, with lower calories, carbs and sugar
- Want to avoid hangovers and other negative effects of alcohol consumption
- Are interested in functional beverages with potential mood-enhancing properties
By offering a unique product that aims to replicate both the taste and feeling of alcoholic beer, IMPOSSIBREW® is positioning itself at the forefront of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.
Get Started Today
Give it a try today with our Welcome Bundle and get 2 Free Beers with your first purchase. Get it delivered straight to your door, risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and we can't wait for you to try.
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
Social Blend™ is our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology*.
Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions).
Developed with Dr Paul Chazot, Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
(Read our latest research paper here)
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
Who shouldn't drink IMPOSSIBREW®?
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain medical conditions like GI disorders or hypertension, or individuals taking specific medications such as antidepressants or blood thinners. If you fall into any of these categories, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can lead to overstimulation (i.e. restlessness) if taken alongside thyroid medication.
What is your philosophy?
For thousands of years, we had only one way to unwind together. One way to let our guards down. One way to bridge the gap between who we are and who we are with others.
Not because it was perfect. But because it was all we had.
We decided that wasn't good enough.
We exist because we believe in a world where social connection doesn't demand compromise.
Where being present with others doesn't mean being absent from yourself. Where letting go doesn't mean losing control.This isn't about removing alcohol. This is about something better.
Our Social Blend™ technology isn't an accident. It's the result of questioning everything we thought we knew about social drinking. About working with scientists to understand what we're really seeking in these moments of connection. About daring to imagine something that wasn't possible before.
We believe the greatest innovations don't just solve problems - they change how we live. They make us question why we ever settled for less.
That's what we're building. Not just a drink, but a new way forward. A future where social connection comes without compromise. Where tradition meets innovation. Where science meets ritual.
This is the future of social drinking.
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