Quite when the link between fermented fruit or grain and intoxication was established is unknown. But residue from pottery in China suggests that an alcoholic drink composed of honey, grapes and rice was brewed from at least 7000 BC.

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Alcohol was very important for altering a person’s state of mind in religious experiences, but it was undoubtedly also created for social reasons. In short, our ancestors liked to party.

This article was taken from BBC History Revealed magazine

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