The Actual King of Beer

Ever wonder if beer has a patron saint? The answer is yes, and his name is King Gambrinus.

Gambrinus, whose birthday is April 11, was a legendary king of Flanders, and the unofficial patron saint of beer or beer brewing. He is variously depicted as a European king, as an English knight of the Middle Ages, or even as a plump old man. (for a more in depth retelling of the legend, go to http://www.ewind.com/~sayc/gambrinus.history.html

He looks like a party animal

The origin of the Gambrinus legend (which nobody knows for sure) is most widely believed to be John the Fearless (1371–1419), who some also believe to be the inventor of hopped malt beer. However, other sources report that one of the cup-bearers in the court of Charlemagne (742–814) was also called Gambrinus. In 1543, the German poet Burkart Waldis wrote of Gambrinus, explaining that Gambrinus learned the art of brewing from Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of motherhood and fertility.

It is also possible that the original Gambrinus was Duke John I of Brabant (1254-1298), who was called Jan Primus.

Because of Gambrinus' significance, numerous European and North American brewers have appropriated the character for their beer brands. In addition, several notable breweries are named for Gambrinus, including American breweries such as the Gambrinus Company of San Antonio, Texas and the Gambrinus Brewing Co. of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. There was also the now defunct Gambrinus Brewing Co. in Columbus, Ohio.

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!