Matthew Fortuna is a full-time freelance writer with a journalism degree from Wayne State University, living in the Detroit metropolitan area. He has written about a wide range of topics across varying publications, including Demand Studios, wiseGEEK.com and Suite101.com, among others. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Wayne State University.
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Beer TriviaOverview
The centuries-long history of alcohol is filled with fun facts and little known tidbits. Alcohol has spawned humorous stories and anecdotes ever since beer, wine, liquor, and champagne were first created. Whether about its effects on people or its contents, the stories surrounding alcohol are nothing if not interesting, and sometimes even historic.
Founding Fathers
After writing and signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the founding fathers toasted the signing of the document with Madeira wine.
Married Men
The word "bridal" comes from 19th century Englishmen, who took out their mates for a final "Bride Ale" the day before their wedding.
The First Beer
According to legend, the very first beer came from an ancient Sumerian (Iraqi), who left a loaf of bread out until the yeast fermented, giving him quite a buzz.
Famous Drinkers
President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Scotch and soda enthusiast, would stick his empty glass out the window of his Presidential limo, signaling to the rest of the motorcade that it was time for a refill.
Alcohol in 1492
On his voyage to the New World in the 15th century, Christopher Columbus brought with him a bottle of Sherry.
USMC
The United States Marine Corps opened their first recruiting station in a bar, a tradition unseen in the 21st century.
Alcohol Alphabet
One of the few short sentences in the English language to include every letter of the English alphabet is: "Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs."
