All yours BB. Enacted in Munich in 1512 and originally applicable only there it was extended to the Duchy of Bavaria in 1516 - it only covoured the whole of Gemany from 1909. It states that beer can only contain barley, water, hops and yeast (the latter being added later) - any ingredients other than these means it cannot be called beer. This still applies today in Germany for all beers actually produced here - imported beers have not been subject to this law since the EU objected to it. Originally it was simply to protect Munich beer against foreign imports. The famous Trappist beers from Belgium could not be described as beer if produced in Germany (despite tasting better). Take it away.