Before the 16th century, most beers were crafted without ANY hops.

Instead, brewers used plants from the wilderness around them. Ginger, lavender, and mugwort, to name a few, were all common sweeteners and preservatives in beer.

Then came the Germans in 1516 with their Beer Purity Laws, and suddenly, no one was allowed to brew with anything but hops, barley, and water! 

More than 500 years later, Illinois’ Scratch Brewing — a.k.a., the “Coolest Microbrewery in America” according to Men’s Journal — is heading a style revival. And, for all you adventurous craftsters, they’re pushing the no-hops-no-barley brew known as Gruit back to the main stage of modern craft. 

Like their ancient predecessors, they loaded today’s Dandelion-Ginger Tonic with Southern Illinois-grown dandelions, ginger, carrot tops, and clover. The result is an effervescent sipper with sweet, floral aromas that dance like daisies atop flavors of citrus, pressed lemonade, and fresh-grated ginger.

Every sip of this craft-from-the-past floods with refreshing brightness, backed with a mineral-like funk. And, thank goodness those old-school German laws don’t apply to Illinois, because fans can’t get enough of these neo-traditional brews! 

Not to mention, Dandelion-Ginger Tonic is a chart-topping beer, taking its place as the #3 Gruit in the World on Untappd!

For your craft buds who are so hyped on hops, now’s your chance to show them that they’re not ALWAYS necessary to produce mean amounts of juicy-flavor. Show them what beer can be by giving ‘em a taste of a brew inspired by an era BEFORE BEER WAS EVEN BEER.

#3 Gruit in the World, Rated 4.12 on Untappd