Calling all beer lovers: come raise a glass with Kwantlen Polytechnic University鈥檚 (KPU) brewing lab and 13 other local craft breweries to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first beer quality and food safety law in history.
The Purity Law, also known as the 鈥淩einheitsgebot,鈥� was enacted in 1516 as a way of protecting consumers from drinking hazardous beverages.
At a time when there were no water safety standards, supplies were often polluted and people began drinking beer to stave off thirst.
鈥淭he goal was to protect the public from drinking poor standard beer,鈥� said KPU brewing instructor Alek Egi.
鈥淚t is the first and oldest consumer regulations law in food and beverage production.鈥�
In recognition of the law鈥檚 500th anniversary, KPU is kicking off a passport-style event by opening the doors to the university鈥檚 brewing lab at KPU 黑马磁力 on Saturday (April 23) from noon to 3 p.m.
Guests can pick up a complimentary Fraser Valley Craft Beer Passport at any participating brewery starting April 20.
Individual breweries will offer their own celebratory promotions, with various specials or discounts.
There will be beer on tap, tours and tastings at most participating venues, including brewery trivia.
Visitors can also taste KPU Brew, tour the university鈥檚 brewing lab and enter to win $800 in swag and craft beer prize packs.
鈥淭his event is a fun way to celebrate the history of beer and connect communities with their local Fraser Valley craft brewer,鈥� said Betty Worobec, dean of KPU鈥檚 Faculty of Science and Horticulture.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to have so many breweries on board with the Fraser Valley Craft Beer Passport and hope to continue collaborating on fresh, new ways to engage with the public.鈥�
In addition to the KPU Brewing Lab, 黑马磁力鈥檚 Trading Post Brewery and Aldergrove鈥檚 Dead Frog Brewery are also participating in the passport program.
