Purity law (Reinheitsgebot)
German: Reinheitsgebot Also known as: Deutsches Reinheitsgebot
Historic rule from 1516 allowing beer to be made only from water, malt, hops (and yeast); today anchored in the provisional beer law.
The Reinheitsgebot goes back to a Bavarian state ordinance of 1516 that named barley, hops and water as ingredients for beer; yeast was added later once its role was understood. It is regarded as one of the oldest food regulations in the world.
Today it lives on in Germany through the Provisional Beer Act. Under it, bottom-fermented beers may be made only from barley malt, hops, yeast and water; for top-fermented beers further malts, such as wheat malt, are permitted. Sugar may be used under certain conditions. Imported beers may also be sold in Germany with other ingredients. Breweries often voluntarily point out compliance. The currently valid regulations are decisive.