Ben Franklin's Beer: A Toast To History

Benjamin Franklin is often misquoted as saying, Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. While he may never have said this, it is true that Franklin enjoyed a drink. In fact, he wrote one of the earliest American guides to winemaking in 1743. He also had a cellar in his Philadelphia home that contained over 1,100 bottles of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux.

Franklin is known to have drunk ale, and he even wrote about his coworkers' drinking habits in his autobiography. He was horrified by the amount of beer they drank, noting that he only drank water during the workday. He also believed that beer was a waste of money and provided little nutrition.

Despite his dislike of drunkenness, Franklin did enjoy a pint of ale with supper. In fact, he may have enjoyed a strong, harvest-time ale, though not so strong that it would impair his ability to have intellectual conversations.

Benjamin Franklin's beer preferences

Benjamin Franklin is often misquoted as saying, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." The actual quote, from a letter to his friend Andre Morellet, refers to wine, not beer:

> "Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, and which incorporates itself with the grapes to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy."

Franklin did drink beer, but he didn't appear to like it much. In his autobiography, he wrote that he drank water, not beer, with supper. He also disapproved of his coworkers' habit of drinking beer while they worked, believing it to be a waste of money that impaired their physical and mental strength.

Despite his apparent dislike of beer, Franklin was known to enjoy a good colonial ale. In his writings, he referred to "the type of strong, harvest-time ale, or October ale." However, his drink of choice couldn't have been too strong, as he was known to engage in intellectual discussions while "lifting a few pints of ale."

Based on brewing and agricultural trends from Franklin's time, Tony Simmons of Pagosa Brewing Co. developed a recipe deemed the most likely to have been Franklin's favourite by a panel of experts at the 2005 Great American Beer Festival. The recipe, called Poor Richard's Ale, was brewed by 100 breweries across 35 states to celebrate Franklin's 300th birthday on January 17, 2006.

Simmons described Poor Richard's Ale as having:

> "...a complex aroma with a pleasant malty, corny, and slightly nutty character, enhanced by a slight molasses-spiced undertone that adds an almost fine tobacco-like quality. The flaked corn will lighten the body and provide a nice counterbalance to the malt flavors. Hop bitterness and flavour are designed to be medium-low. The molasses will add an additional level of spiciness/bitterness that will compensate for the lower IBU level (providing an impression of more bitterness than a typical Strong Scotch Ale)."

Beer-drinking co-workers

Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most notable forefathers, was a beer drinker. He was known to enjoy a few pints of ale, particularly the strong, harvest-time variety. However, he preferred his beer to be not too strong, as he liked to engage in intellectual conversations while drinking. Franklin also believed that beer, consumed in moderation, was a healthful tonic.

While drinking with co-workers can foster camaraderie and team bonding, it is important to recognise the potential pitfalls. Firstly, not all employees drink alcohol, and they should not feel pressured to do so or left out of social and networking opportunities. Secondly, drinking at work can negatively impact employees' performance and safety, especially if it becomes a regular occurrence or leads to excessive consumption.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards re-evaluating the role of alcohol in the workplace. Younger employees, particularly Gen Zers, are driving conversations about sobriety and normalising socialising without alcohol. Some companies, such as Salesforce, Uber, and Jet, have taken steps to reduce or ban alcohol in the workplace.

Additionally, providing alcohol at work can lead to issues such as sexual harassment, as drinking can lower inhibitions and embolden people to act inappropriately. This can create an unsafe environment, especially for women, and lead to serious consequences for both employees and the company.

To create a more inclusive and safe environment, companies can offer non-alcoholic options and organise bonding activities that do not revolve around alcohol. By doing so, they can ensure that all employees feel valued and comfortable, regardless of their drinking preferences.

While Benjamin Franklin may have enjoyed his beer, it is essential to recognise that drinking culture has evolved, and companies should prioritise the well-being and comfort of their employees when incorporating alcohol into work-related social events.

Franklin's dislike of drunkenness

Benjamin Franklin was a pragmatic man who enjoyed a drink but was contemptuous of drunkards. While he was known to quaff a few pints of ale and was even credited with the quote, "Beer is proof that God loves us, and wants us to be happy", he was also known to caution against overindulgence.

In his autobiography, Franklin cites "Temperance" as the first of his thirteen guiding virtues: "Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."

Franklin's pragmatism was evident in his early working life. At 18, he worked at a printing house in London where his co-workers' diets consisted mostly of beer. Franklin, meanwhile, drank only water and was able to lift and carry twice as much type as anyone else. He persuaded his colleagues to drink less by arguing that the nutrition they got from beer could be obtained by eating bread, which would make them more energetic for work.

Despite his dislike of drunkenness, Franklin was a social man who enjoyed the company of friends in taverns and was known to organise groups of men to discuss philosophy and politics. He believed that there "cannot be good living where there is no good drinking".

Beer and health

Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most notable forefathers, was known to enjoy a few pints of ale. In fact, he wrote that ale was a "healthful tonic" when consumed in moderation.

Today, there is still much debate about the health benefits of beer. While some sources claim that beer can be part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, others argue that the potential health benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks. Here is a summary of the arguments for and against beer consumption:

Potential Health Benefits of Beer:

• Improved cardiovascular health: Several studies have suggested that moderate beer consumption (up to 1-2 beers per day for women and 1-2 beers per day for men) can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve heart health.
• Lower risk of type 2 diabetes: Light alcohol consumption may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve blood sugar control for people with diabetes.
• Increased bone strength: Early research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may help strengthen bones, but this benefit sharply drops when consumption exceeds two drinks per day.
• Rich source of vitamins and minerals: Beer is a good source of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can provide potential health benefits.
• Social and cultural benefits: Beer has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years and can facilitate social connections and traditions.

Potential Health Risks of Beer:

• Potential for addiction: Alcohol is an addictive substance, and heavy drinking can lead to dependency and eliminate most health benefits.
• Reduced life expectancy: Heavy alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of death from all causes and can reduce life expectancy by up to 28 years.
• Increased risk of liver disease: Drinking more than two beers per day can increase the chances of developing fatty liver disease or cirrhosis.
• Weight gain: Many beers are high in calories, and frequent consumption can lead to substantial weight gain, commonly known as a "beer belly."
• Cancer risk: While moderate alcohol consumption may have some benefits, excessive drinking is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
• Other health risks: Heavy drinking can also increase the risk of other health issues, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and pancreatic issues.

While moderate beer consumption may offer some potential health benefits, it is important to weigh these against the potential risks. Excessive alcohol consumption can have severe negative consequences for overall health and well-being. It is always essential to consume alcohol in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional to understand how beer may impact your specific health circumstances.

Beer and religion

Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers, was known to enjoy a drink, particularly wine. In his autobiography, Franklin notes that he did not drink much, and his first guiding virtue was "Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation." However, he did write that "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

Alcoholic drinks hold symbolic significance in many religions and have been used in rituals and ceremonies throughout history. While some religions prohibit alcohol consumption, viewing it as sinful or detrimental to spiritual and physical well-being, others embrace it as a sacred element.

Ancient Religions and Beer

In ancient times, beer and wine were offered to the gods in rituals and festivals. For example, in Ancient Egyptian religion, beer and wine were drunk and offered to the gods, and they were also stored with mummified bodies in burials. Other ancient practices, such as Chinese ancestor worship and Sumerian and Babylonian religions, also used alcohol as offerings.

Beer in Modern Religious Practices

Even today, beer and other alcoholic beverages continue to play a role in modern religious practices. Here are some examples:

• Christianity: While attitudes towards alcohol have evolved over time, with some Christian denominations advocating for moderation and others for abstinence, the use of sacramental wine in rituals like the Eucharist is significant.
• Judaism: Wine holds a sacred place in Judaism and is used in various rituals and celebrations. It is sanctified and consumed during rituals, festive meals, and the Sabbath, with participants passing the wine cup around.
• Shinto: Sake, a rice-based spirit, is consumed during Shinto purification rituals. It is offered to the gods and shared among participants to foster friendship and strengthen community bonds.
• Taoism: Alcohol is used as an offering and to connect with the divine in Taoist rituals. It often symbolizes purification, blessings, and the establishment of a sacred space.

Benjamin Franklin's Beer Preference

While Benjamin Franklin is famously associated with the quote about beer and God's love, his actual drink of choice was wine. He penned a drinking song in praise of wine and wrote one of the earliest American guides to winemaking in 1743. His Philadelphia cellar contained over 1,100 bottles of wine, including Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux.

However, that is not to say that Franklin did not drink beer at all. He is known to have enjoyed a little ale with supper and frequented taverns, where he would engage in intellectual discussions while "lifting a few pints of ale."

In conclusion, while Benjamin Franklin was not averse to drinking beer, his preference for wine is evident from his writings, personal collection, and social habits. Meanwhile, the relationship between beer and religion is complex and varied, with different religious traditions adopting diverse attitudes and practices regarding alcohol consumption.

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