The History of Beer Steins

A beer stein is basically any container that stores beer. Steins can range in size and material, as there is no set standard as to the construction of steins as long as it had a lid. Being of German origin, it is no wonder that the most collectible, sought after steins in the world are of German decent.

The earliest steins on record date back to the 1500’s. Its invention was one of necessity. A couple hundred years earlier the black plaque swept across Europe. During this time, people began to focus more attention on being sanitary. Prior to the creation of the stein, the beer mug was the container of choice for beer drinkers. This changed as people began covering their food and drink in order to protect themselves from disease.

Later, in the 1500’s, Germany passed laws that required all food and beverages be covered. This was due to seasonal invasions of swarms of flies to the region. The result of these two calamities was the invention of a covered beer mug that could still be used with one hand.

As a result of Germany’s actions of taking sanitary measures, the local breweries were required to use sanitary materials. In other parts of Europe, rotten vegetables and bread were being used in the manufacturing of beer. The high quality of beer brewed in Germany made Germany the largest beer exporting country.

Fast forward to the 1700’s and steins made with different materials began emerging. Stoneware steins gained great popularity up to the 1700’s. During this time period, other materials were invented. Glass was starting to be produced in mass quantities in Europe for the first time. The Roman Empire already knew how to make glass, but up until the 1700’s the church considered glass making evil. Now, it was finding its way in the form of beer steins.

Porcelain was also invented during this time period. Porcelain quickly found its way into the manufacturing of beer steins. These steins were reserved for the wealthiest of beer drinkers.

Beer steins continued to be made out of glass, porcelain, wood, and stoneware throughout history. In the 1900’s steins made another transition as characters and artwork made their way onto the steins.

Today steins are still being manufactured, with antique beer steins being some of the most sought after collectibles on the market. An invention out of necessity ended up defining the hobby of drinking beer.