Guinness is a popular Irish dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness (1725-1803) at St. James's Gate, Dublin. Guinness is one of the most successful beer brands worldwide. It is brewed in almost 50 countries and is available in over 100. 1,800,000,000 US pints (850,000 m3) are … [Read more...]
12th May – Alcoholics Anonymous Founded Today 1935
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May 12, 1935: Alcoholics Anonymous is founded in Akron, Ohio by "Bill W.," a stockbroker, and "Dr. Bob S.," a heart surgeon. A seemingly unplanned meeting in Akron, Ohio in 1935 between two men, both of whom were termed “hopeless” alcoholics, began a program of recovery that has helped millions … [Read more...]
11th May – Australian Winemaker Seppelt Died Today 1931
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Seppelt, Oscar Benno Pedro (1845–1931) Joseph Ernest Seppelt (1813-1868), winemaker, was born in 1813 at Wüstewaltersdorf, Lower Silesia. His father fought in Napoleon's forces in Russia, and took eleven years to find his way home after the fall of Moscow. After a liberal education in music and … [Read more...]
9th May – Joseph Bramah Invented the Beer Pump Handle Today 1785
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On May 9th, 1785, the British inventor Joseph Bramah patented the beer-pump handle, also known as a beer engine. using hydraulics, it allowed beer to be dispensed by simply pumping the handle, which connected to the keg via a flexible hose. Prior to his invention, beer had to be dispensed from a … [Read more...]
8th May – Emile Christian Hansen Born Today 1842
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Emile Christian Hansen, (born May 8, 1842, Ribe, Denmark—died August 27, 1909, Copenhagen). He was a Danish botanist who developed new methods to culture yeast. Hansen, who began his working life as a journeyman house painter, received a Ph.D. in 1877 from the University of Copenhagen. Two … [Read more...]
6th May – First Cooper’s famous Sparkling Ale Today 1862
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Thomas, a shoemaker by trade, emigrated from Yorkshire to South Australia, with his family, in 1852. For the first decade in Adelaide he worked at his trade and then as a stonemason. In 1862 he began brewing some ale using his wife's recipe, for she was an innkeeper's daughter. At first the ale, … [Read more...]
5th May – Maurice O’Shea Died Today 1956
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Maurice O'Shea (13 June 1897- 5 May 1956) was one of Australia's most respected winemakers, and is often referred to as the father of Australia's modernwinemaking. Maurice was the son of Irish born wine and spirit merchant John Augustus O'Shea (d.1912) and Leontine Frances, née Beaucher. Maurice … [Read more...]
5th May – Colin Thomas Preece Born Today 1903
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Colin Thomas Preece, winemaker, was born on 5 May 1903 at Alberton, Adelaide, sixth of seven children of South Australian-born parents Thomas Henry Preece, miller, and his wife Elizabeth, née Stanners. Young Colin attended Unley High School and planned to manage the family's flour mill at Tumby … [Read more...]
23rd April – Bavarian Beer Purity Law Passed Today in 1516
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There are many beer fests in Germany, especially in Bavaria, throughout the year in addition to the two weeks of Oktoberfest in the fall and the two weeks of Strong Beer Season at the beginning of Lent. However, there is one beer celebration that has a special meaning even to the fest-hardy … [Read more...]
15th April – Samuel McWilliam Founder Born Today 1830
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The McWilliam family name stands for a long, rich history of and award winning winemaking. One of Australia's oldest family wineries, McWilliam's Wines has six generations and more than 130 years of winemaking experience. The people behind the name have imparted their knowledge, skill and passion … [Read more...]
