Scientists reveal taste of ancient beer buried for 2,300 years

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — An archaeological discovery has revealed evidence of ancient China’s oldest known alcoholic beverage. Researchers found over 6 pints (approximately 3.4 litres) of beer, sealed tightly and remarkably well-preserved within an ancient tomb. The find represents one of the oldest known proofs of alcoholic drink existence.

The ancient liquid was stored in a large ceramic vessel discovered during archaeological excavations. The container was tightly sealed, preventing air and external elements from entering for centuries. The stable burial conditions also played a crucial role in preserving the liquid’s integrity, allowing its basic properties to be analysed even today.

Initial analysis by the research team revealed the ancient beer had a sophisticated ingredient composition for its time. Unlike modern beer, which typically uses wheat or barley as the main ingredient, this millennia-old brew was made from a mixture of rice, legumes, and plant roots that acted as natural sweeteners and enzyme sources for fermentation.

Experts also detected traces of specific herbs, likely added to impart distinctive aroma and flavour, similar to how hops are used in contemporary beer.

So, what did this ancient beer taste like? Although no one has dared to taste it directly, researchers have estimated its flavour profile through chemical analysis.

The liquid is believed to have a slightly sour, mildly sweet taste with a rich plant-based aroma and a faint fermented odour. Unlike modern beer, which tends to have consistent and controlled flavours, the ancient brew likely had a more complex and varied taste, reflecting the evolving brewing techniques of the era.

The discovery not only uncovers an ancient beverage but also provides new insights into the culture, social life, and food processing technology of ancient China. The presence of beer in tombs indicates its significant role in religious ceremonies, burial rituals, or as part of preparations for the afterlife for the deceased.

This confirms that drinking culture was an integral part of social structures thousands of years ago.

Moreover, the find demonstrates that fermentation and alcoholic beverage production techniques were already quite advanced in ancient times. Our ancestors understood how to utilise natural materials and chemical processes to create drinks that served not only as hydration but also held significant cultural and social value.

The ancient beer sample is now being studied further to uncover other secrets, from detailed brewing processes to the reasons behind the selection of specific ingredients.

For archaeology and food history, this discovery is a treasure trove offering deeper insight into how ancient humans created, enjoyed, and imbued meaning into their beverages. Who would have thought that behind ancient tomb remnants lies a flavour story waiting 2,300 years to be retold.