Breweries Go Bananas Over the Reinheitsgebot 500th Anniversary

Reinheitsgebot, better known as the "German Purity Law" in English, was a series of regulations imposed in 1516 that limited the number of brewing ingredients to three: water, hops, and barley (yeast would be added later). Modern beer and its flavors as we know it were born.

The strict tenants of Reinheitsgebot have faded away as innovative brewers incorporate myriads of ingredients and flavors, but the spirit of it is alive and well. And this weekend, for the 500th anniversary, Denverites are embracing that spirit.

AC Golden and Sandlot Brewers adopt the old methods Saturday, April 23 with the limited release of the Reinheit brew at select World of Beer locations. Striving for authenticity, the brewers invited master brewer Andreas Gahr from St. Johann Research brewery in Germany to collaborate. Comprised of three types of hops, four different malts and a distinctive lager yeast from an ancient German brewery, the Reinheit is an authentic, old-style German lager that can take you back to the 16th century.

Rackhouse Pub in RiNo will serve specialty brews from Call to Arms and Fässer, Andechs Döppelbock monastery. Additionally, special plates like the Bavarian Leberkäseare priced at $15.16. The festivities begin at noon.

Mockery Brewing kicks off its first Reinheitsgewhat?! event Saturday at noon. Spend the day rocking and mocking beer laws with limited beer releases, live music by the The Polkanauts "Metal by Birth-Polka by Choice," and commemorative steins for the first 100 guests. Check the Facebook event page for upcoming details.

In Boulder, the Bohemian Biergarten is celebrating on Saturday starting at 8 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy $5 Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr Biers, enter a raffle to win commemorative mugs, and party to the sounds of the live band Austrian Connection. Those who dress in Reinheitsgebot-themed attire will get a gift.