King of Beers

I'm sorry but every once in a while I need to go after the evil empire known by the initials of A-B. You all should know who I am talking about. They are one of the big macro breweries that call themselves the king of beers in their mass marketing brainwashing. Calling themselves the king of beers is just a bit of a stretch in my opinion since they aren't the #1 selling beer in the world anymore. The Belgium based In-bev conglomerate passed up A-B last year in terms of beer produced. But In-Bev doesn't proclaim to be the king of beers since they know who the real king of beers is.

The title of King of Beers really belongs to King Gambrinus. Gambrinus real name was Jan Primus which was the Flemish name for Duke Jean I. Gambrinus was born in 1210 to French royalty, he inherited and ruled over the provinces of both Brabant (in Belgium) and Lorraine (in France).

One day, at the end of a fierce battle, Jan Primus invited all the noblemen to celebrate the victory. During the festivities, he went to an inner courtyard where his soldiers and servants were partying. Determined to make a speech to these hearty fellows, he climbed on top of a pile of barrels and sat astride the highest one. With a foaming mug in one hand, he addressed the crowd by proposing a toast to his country and the health of his people. And this is how he became a legendary figure.
Gambrinus laid down the foundations for Brabant's brewing industry by allowing the deputy mayors of Brussels the right to grant licences for brewing and selling beer. He was also the honorary President of the Brussels Brewers' Guild which still exists to this day. Some even attribute the use of hops in beer to him although there is some conflicting stories regarding that claim. One thing that is known for sure is that Gambrinus was known for being very fond of a mug or two of beer. Legend has it that during a three-day banquet (probably the precursor of today's modern beer festival) he drank mug after mug of foamy beer and he was known forever after as the King of Beer. Another of his enthusiasms was taking part in medieval jousting tournaments but this proved to be his undoing. He died in 1249 from wounds he received during a tournament.
King Gambrinus, known as "the patron saint of beer," has long been a universal symbol of beer and brewing. Particularly during the late nineteenth century, the image of Gambrinus was used by countless brewers to promote their products and remind consumers of the rich heritage of beer-making. It's a shame that giant A-B felt that they should try and rob him of his title.
Prost, Ron