Beer history: everything you wanted to know
Beer history: everything you wanted to know  
Podcast: History Extra podcast
Published On: Sat Jul 19 2025
Description: Beer is one of the world’s most popular alcoholic beverages. From refreshing lagers to amber ales and creamy stouts, there’s a style for virtually every drinker to enjoy. But how did this winning combination of water, hops, malts and yeast become such a staple in the first place? Jon Bauckham talks to Phil Withington to answer listener questions on beer’s boozy history, from medieval monasteries to the modern pub. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices