Whether you reach for a crisp lager on a hot afternoon or sip a rich stout with dinner, beer is one of the world’s most widely enjoyed—and deeply storied—drinks. With International Beer Day fast approaching on Friday, 1 August 2025, now’s the perfect time to put your pint-sized knowledge to the test.
This global celebration honours not just the joy of beer, but also the brewers, bartenders, and beer lovers who bring it to life in pubs, kitchens, and festivals around the world. So crack open your favourite brew, and let’s see how well you really know what’s in your glass.
Quiz
Quiz :
🍺 The Origins of Beer: Ancient Brew to Modern Craft
Beer is one of humanity’s oldest beverages — quite possibly discovered by happy accident when grains fermented naturally in water. The Sumerians were among the first to brew it intentionally around 4,000 BCE, even composing a hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of beer.
Over millennia, brewing evolved alongside civilisations. Ancient Egyptians drank beer daily (often safer than water), while European monks in the Middle Ages advanced techniques that laid the groundwork for many styles we know today. The introduction of hops in the 9th century was revolutionary, adding stability, bitterness, and complexity that transformed beer's flavour and shelf life.
By the 19th century, breakthroughs in refrigeration, yeast science, and transport allowed for mass production of lagers and ales. Today, beer is brewed in almost every corner of the world—with craft brewers reviving forgotten styles, experimenting with bold flavours, and turning beer into both a science and an art form.
🇬🇧 Brewing Culture: From Backyard to Boutique
Beer in the UK is more than just a drink—it’s a national institution. Whether you're down the local pub, at a summer barbecue, or cheering on your team at the football, beer has long brought people together. Classic pints of bitter, lager, and ale like John Smith’s, Carling, and Fosters have long dominated the taps—but the past decade has seen a true craft beer renaissance.
From Cornwall to the Highlands, over 2,000 independent breweries are reshaping the British pint. Names like BrewDog, Camden Town Brewery, Beavertown, and Thornbridge are experimenting with everything from British hops to unusual ingredients like elderflower, heather, and even Earl Grey tea.
Even the way we serve beer has its regional quirks. A pint may be standard across the UK, but don’t be surprised if you're offered a “half,” a “schooner,” or a “third” at your local craft beer bar. Here's a quick cheat sheet of beer sizes in the UK:
Pint
- 568ml
- Standard large beer glass
- Nationwide
Half-pint
- 284ml
- Smaller serving, often chosen for lighter drinking or tastings
- Nationwide
Schooner
- 425ml
- Less common, but gaining popularity in craft beer bars
- Mainly London & urban craft pubs
(Tip: When in doubt, just ask what they’re serving; most publicans are happy to explain the local lingo!)
So, whether you're a homebrewer, a foodie, or someone who simply enjoys a cold one with mates, International Beer Day is the perfect excuse to explore new flavours, raise a glass to history, and maybe find a new favourite style.
However you choose to celebrate, we hope this quiz and article help you enjoy beer a little more thoughtfully—one sip at a time. 🍻
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