Commercialisation of Europeʼs most ancient beer, found on Can Sadurní cave excavations
In 1999, the most ancient European remains of beer fermentation were found on the archaeological excavations carried out in Can Sadurní cave (Begues, Barcelona) by the Col·lectiu per a la Investigació de la Prehistòria i lʼArqueologia del Garraf-Ordal (CIPAG) together with the Seminar of Studies and Prehistoric Research (SERP) of the University of Barcelona. Now, this Neolithic beer is going to be reproduced and commercialised. It could be tasted at specialised bars and restaurants with a beer menu.
In 1999, the most ancient European remains of beer fermentation were found on the archaeological excavations carried out in Can Sadurní cave (Begues, Barcelona) by the Col·lectiu per a la Investigació de la Prehistòria i lʼArqueologia del Garraf-Ordal (CIPAG) together with the Seminar of Studies and Prehistoric Research (SERP) of the University of Barcelona. Now, this Neolithic beer is going to be reproduced and commercialised. It could be tasted at specialised bars and restaurants with a beer menu.
The beer was first presented on 26 September at Can Sadurní cave on an event organised by CIPAG, Begues City Council and the Instituto de Cerveza Artesana, which will produce and commercialise the beer under the name of Encantada. The drink has been reproduced considering oxalate and barley-corn phytoliths identified on a shard of a mug. The beer has been elaborated with malted barley, sage, lemon verbena, berries and honey. Like prehistoric beer, it has been elaborated without hops and without being decanted, so it preserves yeast.
According to a collaboration agreement signed with the Instituto de Cerveza Artesa, the commercialisation of the beer Encantada will raise money to fund CIPAGʼs research works on the site within the project “Les comunitats prehistòriques al massís del Garraf nord. Orígens, genètica, patrons dʼassentament, fets culturals, recursos i mobilitat durant la prehistòria recent” (Prehistoric communities in the Garraf massif. Origins, genetics, settlement patterns, cultural facts, resources and mobility during recent prehistory).
Can Sadurní was a meeting point for the inhabitants of the closest areas during the Neolithic Age. Discoveries point out that Can Sadurní might have hosted some feasts, in which rare products might have been consumed. Moreover, other rituals with a mark symbolic nature might have been hosted there, any kind of crucial celebration to bring together groups scattered around the area and to ensure their economical, ideological and sexual reproduction.