The brewing of beer appears to be one of the oldest processes known to man. Barley grain has been cultivated since 6000BC by the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians.
. Initially brewing occurred by accident as barley loaves fermented having been left out in the rain.
Having flavoured the 'brew' with dates and honey the 'beer' was drunk. Beer was even used as a currency in ancient Egypt. Egyptian brewing was destroyed around 800AD by the spread of Islam.