Perhaps no country in Europe is more associated with beer than Germany. In 1516, Germans were so serious about brewing it that they passed the "Reinheitsgebot," or "purity laws."

The Purity Laws enforced strict guidelines and only allowed four ingredients to produce and brew beer, ensuring it was "pure" or considered good enough to drink.

The Purity Laws enforced strict guidelines and only allowed four ingredients to produce and brew beer, ensuring it was "pure" or considered good enough to drink.

The only ingredients included in the first draft of the German Purity Law of 1516 were water, hops, and malt. Yeast was added when it was officially recognized as a brewing agent.

Whether it's a twelve-pack of Yuengling or a fancy imported beer from Northern Germany, these four ingredients are still considered the four main pillars of a good beer today.