Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, from which I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Ale Affair.
Why should mimosas and Bloody Marys have all the breakfast fun when beer’s been the true morning champion for centuries? Yes, you heard right—beer for breakfast is more civilised than you might think. It’s a tradition older than your granny’s teapot, with medieval monks and modern brunch lovers raising their morning pints to start the day off right. So, forget your orange juice and grab a stout. After all, if it was good enough for monks and medieval knights, who are we to argue?
The History of Beer for Breakfast
Believe it or not, the concept of beer for breakfast isn’t just a cheeky excuse for an early pint—it actually has its roots in the daily life of medieval Europe. Imagine waking up in a time when the idea of clean drinking water was as rare as a day without jousting. In those days, the water could be teeming with bacteria, so people turned to beer, a fermented, boiled beverage that was much safer to consume. And yes, that included mornings too!
But don’t picture knights knocking back pints of strong ale before heading to battle. The breakfast beers of the past were much lighter, often referred to as “small beer.” With an alcohol content of around 1-2%, small beer was closer to the strength of kombucha than your average lager.
It provided a bit of sustenance and refreshment without leaving people too tipsy to tend the fields or handle blacksmithing tools. It’s fair to say that beer was the medieval equivalent of a balanced smoothie—nourishing, hydrating, and far less likely to give you food poisoning than the local well.
Monks, Malts, and Morning Brews
The tradition of beer for breakfast wasn’t just a layperson’s habit. Monks—those wise, bearded fellas who knew a thing or two about brewing—also embraced the idea of a morning beer. Monasteries across Europe weren’t just places of prayer and reflection; they were practically the original craft breweries. These beers were often packed with oats and grains, making them rich in nutrients and surprisingly filling. So, if you fancy a morning stout, just consider it a nod to these monastic traditions; you’re basically a saint, right?
Monks believed that a good beer could nourish the body and the soul, serving as both sustenance and spiritual comfort during periods of fasting. They might have even whispered a little prayer over their mugs before sipping, adding a touch of divine inspiration to their morning routine. It’s basically like being in a Wetherspoon’s for breakfast!
Modern Trends: Beer with Breakfast Today
While the idea of beer for breakfast might get you raise a few eyebrows and a “tut-tut” in some corners of the world, in Europe, it’s still as natural as a croissant with your coffee. From early-morning pub culture in the UK to traditional breakfast beers in Germany, Europe knows how to make beer a part of the breakfast routine without any guilt or judgment (well, maybe a little).
Take Germany, for example, where “Weißwurstfrühstück” (white sausage breakfast) is practically a rite of passage. This traditional Bavarian breakfast consists of Weisswurst (white sausage), pretzels, mustard, and a tall glass of Hefeweizen beer. It’s basically brunch with the volume cranked up to eleven.
In Belgium, morning beer isn’t far off the breakfast table either. Known for its Trappist and abbey beers, Belgium has a tradition of pairing lighter ales with breakfast or brunch. Blondes and saisons are particularly popular as their fruity and spicy undertones make them a delightful companion to cheese and charcuterie spreads that often find their way to the breakfast table. Over there, a fruity ale at 9 AM is as ordinary as toast and jam, only way more fun!
The Rise of Brunch Culture
Let’s face it—brunch has become more than just a meal; it’s practically a lifestyle (for the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). And with this cultural shift, beer has found its place as the drink of choice for many a late-morning feast. These days, brunch menus from London to Los Angeles are basically beer buffets in disguise, offering carefully curated lists. Beers like oatmeal stouts, coffee porters, and even grapefruit IPAs are making their mark as brunch staples, bringing a, dare I say, sophisticated twist to the traditional breakfast.
The 5 Best Breakfast Beers
Ready to swap your orange juice for a pint of something more interesting? If you’re going to embrace the noble tradition of beer for breakfast, you’ve got to do it right. Not every brew is suited to kick-start your day—no one’s reaching for a double IPA at sunrise (unless you’re truly living your best life).
Founders Breakfast Stout
This classic brew is basically the granddaddy of breakfast beers. Founders Breakfast Stout is like a full English breakfast in a glass, without the beans and the black pudding, thankfully. It’s brewed with flaked oats, bitter chocolate, and two kinds of coffee, giving it a rich, velvety texture with a caffeine kick that’s just what you need in the morning. With notes of roasted malt and a touch of bitterness, this stout pairs beautifully with pancakes, bacon, or a stack of chocolate chip waffles. It’s a little indulgent, but hey, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast
If you’re into craft beer, you know that Mikkeller rarely disappoints, and their Beer Geek Breakfast is no exception. This oatmeal stout is brewed with enough coffee to rival your favourite hipster café, making it a smooth yet powerful morning treat. The addition of oats gives it a creamy consistency, while the coffee adds a layer of sophistication that pairs well with savoury breakfast dishes like eggs and toast or even a spicy chorizo hash.
Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout
Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout is practically the original breakfast brew—because why not start your day like a Victorian? With its silky texture and mild sweetness, this stout brings notes of roasted malt, caramel, and a hint of dark fruit. It’s not too heavy on the palate, making it an ideal match for a lighter breakfast—think scones, a bit of jam, or even a buttery croissant.
Left Hand Brewing’s Milk Stout
Left Hand Brewing’s Milk Stout is the perfect morning companion for anyone with a sweet tooth. Think of it as a creamy latte with a hint of rebellion. However, instead of milk foam, you get rich roasted malt and a subtle vanilla note. Thanks to the lactose, it’s got a smooth sweetness that plays nice with pastries, cinnamon rolls, or even a stack of syrup-soaked pancakes. It’s basically your morning dessert disguised as a drink. Because if we’re honest, starting your day with a liquid doughnut is the kind of life choice we can all get behind.
Dogfish Head’s Beer for Breakfast
The name says it all! This stout goes full breakfast mode with ingredients like coffee, maple syrup, and—wait for it—scrapple (yep, a traditional American meatloaf made from pork scraps). Pair this bold brew with bacon, eggs, or a hearty sausage roll, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast that could make even a lumberjack jealous.
Is It Really Okay to Drink Beer for Breakfast?
The age-old question: is it really okay to crack open a cold one before you’ve even put the kettle on? While the idea of beer for breakfast might sound like the start of a rock star’s day, it’s actually a bit more nuanced than that. Let’s break it down, shall we? Because, like any good decision in life, it involves both pros and cons… and probably toast.
The Case for Breakfast Beers
On the plus side, breakfast beers, especially those crafted for morning consumption, tend to have a lower alcohol content, making them a milder choice than your average brew. Ingredients like oats, coffee, and chocolate aren’t just delicious; they also provide a hearty base that can genuinely enhance your morning meal. Think of them as the beer world’s answer to a latte or a smoothie, only with a bit more kick.
Moderation is key here (unless you’ve already handed in your to-do list to the weekend gods). Having a beer with your breakfast can be a lovely way to elevate a weekend brunch. After all, if it’s socially acceptable to start the day with a mimosa or a Bloody Mary, why should breakfast beers be any different?
The Health and Social Considerations
On the flip side, there are some valid concerns to address. Drinking alcohol in the morning can still raise eyebrows in some social circles, and there’s always the potential for it to become a slippery slope. It’s essential to recognise that even though breakfast beers are often lighter, they’re still alcohol. Starting the day with a drink can set a precedent that isn’t necessarily the healthiest, especially if it becomes a habit rather than a treat.
Health-wise, while some studies suggest that the antioxidants in dark beers can be beneficial, it’s important to consume them in moderation. But go too far, and you could end up dehydrated, sluggish, and struggling to remember what productivity even means. So, let’s save that breakfast beer for those weekend mornings when the only thing on your agenda is deciding whether to nap on the sofa or in bed.
Ultimately, the key to enjoying beer for breakfast is knowing when and how to indulge. With the right brew and a mindful approach, it can be a delightful addition to a special brunch rather than a daily routine. So go on, raise a glass (or a mug) and toast to making your mornings just a bit more interesting! But only if the occasion calls for it.
Summary
The tradition of beer for breakfast dates back to medieval Europe when small beer was safer than water. Monks also embraced morning beers, brewing nutrient-rich recipes for sustenance. Today, breakfast beers remain popular in Europe, with Bavarian and Belgian cultures leading the way. Craft breweries have revived this trend, offering beers like oatmeal stouts and coffee porters for modern brunch menus. While breakfast beers are enjoyable in moderation, they can enhance morning meals with their unique flavours. However, caution is advised to avoid overindulgence. Ultimately, the key is to enjoy breakfast beers as a treat, making mornings more interesting when the occasion fits.
FAQs
Share Now!
Raise a glass to knowledge! Each article you share pours a little more wisdom into the world, frothing with ideas and bubbling with insights.
