Pouring the Past: Questions of Authenticity in Ancient Beer Recreations.

This article examines the concept of authenticity in the recreation of ancient beers within the field of experimental archaeology, focusing on the Raise Your Glass to the Past project based in Canada. It discusses how modern expectations of an “authentic” ancient beer are shaped by archaeological evidence, brewing practices, and contemporary cultural perceptions influenced by historical factors such as Prohibition and the Reinheitsgebot (Bavarian Beer Purity Law). The authors argue that authenticity in ancient beer recreations does not reside in exact replication of ancient methods or ingredients, which are often unattainable or impractical, but rather in the flavor profiles inspired by archaeological data and the cultural discourse these recreations generate. By engaging the public through sensory experiences and storytelling, such projects bridge academic research and broader audiences, fostering meaningful connections to ancient brewing traditions and their social significance.