Sipping Like an Ancient Pharaoh
If you’ve ever wanted to drink like an ancient Egyptian, you’re in luck—sort of. Tutankhamun Ale, a beer brewed from a 3,250-year-old recipe found in Queen Nefertiti’s royal brewery, gives modern beer lovers a taste of history. But before you start channeling your inner pharaoh, be warned: this brew came with a royal price tag.
The Discovery of an Ancient Brew
In the 1990s, archaeologist Dr. Barry Kemp and his team from the University of Cambridge uncovered the remnants of Queen Nefertiti’s royal brewery beneath the Egyptian sands. Ten brewing chambers, complete with traces of ancient beer residue, were found. The chambers gave researchers a glimpse into how Egyptians crafted their beloved beverage.
Unlike modern brewing, which often starts with malted barley and hops, ancient Egyptians took a different approach. The early theory was that they soaked crumbled bread in water, allowing the yeast to ferment it into a mushy, chaff-like brew. However, further excavations revealed a more sophisticated process involving malted grains like barley or emmer wheat. The Egyptians knew their beer—and they took it seriously.
Brewing History Back to Life
After studying the beer residue using an electron microscope, Kemp partnered with Scottish and Newcastle Breweries to bring this ancient ale back to life. The brewers did their best to stay true to the ancient process but had to make some educated guesses along the way. They added coriander, a spice commonly used in Egyptian baking, to enhance the flavor.
The result? A golden, malty brew that historians described as “rich” with a taste reminiscent of chardonnay. Was it an exact replica of what Nefertiti sipped on? Not quite. But it was close enough to excite beer aficionados and history buffs alike.
A Beer Fit for a Pharaoh (With a Price Tag to Match)
Tutankhamun Ale wasn’t just an archaeological experiment—it became one of the world’s most expensive beers. With only 1,000 bottles produced, it was sold at Harrods in London for a whopping £50 per bottle. Collectors and beer lovers clamored to get their hands on this unique piece of history, making it one of the most sought-after brews ever created.
The Legacy of Egyptian Beer
Beer was a staple in ancient Egypt, enjoyed by both royalty and laborers alike. Egyptian beer names like Joy Bringer, the Beautiful, and Heavenly prove just how much they appreciated their brews. Some historians even believe that the Great Pyramids were built on a diet of bread and beer. Proves that good beer has always been a source of great achievements!
While you might not be able to find a bottle of Tutankhamun Ale today, the story behind it remains a fascinating reminder of how deeply beer is woven into human history. So next time you crack open a cold one, raise a toast to Queen Nefertiti and her royal brewers. After all, they were perfecting the art of brewing thousands of years before the craft beer craze!