From the Tankard to the Coin: The Story of Beer and Shot Currency

The Origins of Beer

It’s believed that beer is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world. The oldest brewery in the world was found in Egypt and was dated back to 5,000 BC. Beer was an essential drink for many civilizations because the water wasn’t always clean or safe to drink. But it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that beer became a currency that could be used to exchange goods and services.

The Birth of Beer Coin Currency

During the Middle Ages, beer coin currency became a common practice in many European countries. In the 14th century, Bruges, Belgium became a center for the brewing industry. At the time, beer was made in large quantities, and people would typically have a beer for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

As the brewing industry grew, so did the need for currency. People from all walks of life in Bruges, Belgium began using beer coins, which were made of copper, as a form of currency. The coins featured a beer mug on one side and the coat of arms of the city on the other.

Beer Tokens

Beer tokens were another form of beer currency used in the late 19th century. Some pubs would offer their clients tokens that had the name of the establishment and a specific amount of beer to be consumed.

These tokens were purchased in advance and redeemed for beer when needed. Beer tokens were popular in the United Kingdom, and they could be customized with a variety of designs, such as a portrait of the Queen or the pub’s logo.

The Rise of the Shot Glass

Shot glasses were first introduced into the drinking world in the 16th century. They were a perfect tool for measuring the amount of alcohol that was being consumed, especially for spirits like whiskey, rum, and vodka.

In many drinking establishments, including saloons in the Old West and pubs in Europe, shot glasses were used as a currency. People would often wager a shot of whiskey or other spirit, and the winner would be given a shot glass worth a certain amount of alcohol.

Combining Beer and Shot Currency

Beer and shot currency have been used separately for centuries, but their combination is a relatively new phenomenon. In some places, patrons can pay for their beer with a shot token that is worth a specific amount of alcohol.

One example is “boilermakers,” which is when a shot of whiskey is dropped into a beer and then consumed. Some bars have a set price for this combination, while others allow patrons to use a shot token for the whiskey portion of the drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is beer coin currency?

Beer coin currency was a system of exchanging goods and services using copper coins that had a beer mug on one side and the coat of arms of a city on the other.

What are beer tokens?

Beer tokens are vouchers purchased in advance and redeemed for beer at specific establishments. These tokens usually feature the name of the place and a specific amount of beer to be consumed.

When were shot glasses invented?

Shot glasses were invented in the 16th century.

What is a boilermaker?

A boilermaker is a drink consisting of a shot of whiskey that is dropped into a beer and then consumed.