Watch Into the Drink

Into the Drink is an episode from the first season of the television series Liquid Assets, which aired in 2010. The show explores the world of water and its crucial role in civilization, sustainability, and economics. In this episode, Into the Drink, the focus is on the importance of water for the beverage industry, specifically, beer production. The show travels to several places in different parts of the world to explore the process of making beer, its history, the impact of water quality on beer taste, and how the beer industry is adapting to changes in water availability and quality due to climate change.

The episode begins with a visit to Munich, Germany, where beer has been a part of the local culture for centuries. The show takes us through the famous Oktoberfest festival, where millions of liters of beer are consumed every year. We learn about the Reinheitsgebot, a law introduced in 1516 that stipulated that beer could only be brewed with hops, barley, and water. We meet local beer makers who share their opinions on why water quality is critical to brewing beer and how they are adapting to changing water conditions due to climate change.

The next stop is the Yakima Valley in Washington, USA, where we meet farmers who are growing hops, one of the essential ingredients in beer. The episode highlights the importance of water availability and management in hop farming and how a reduction in water availability due to drought can negatively affect the quality and quantity of hops produced. We also learn about the different types of hops used in beer and how their taste profile affects the flavor of the beer.

Next, the show travels to Belgium, where we visit the Trappist monastery of Westmalle, which has been producing beer for over 200 years. We learn about the history of the monastery and how they have been brewing beer since the early 1800s. The show explores the unique properties of the water used to make Westmalle beer and how the monks have adapted their brewing process to increase efficiency and reduce water usage.

The last stop is in Colorado, USA, where we visit the New Belgium Brewery, a company that has been at the forefront of sustainable brewing for many years. The show explores the different ways that New Belgium has reduced water usage, such as using waterless lubricants and optimizing their brewing process to reduce water waste. We also learn about the company's commitment to sourcing their ingredients locally and the impact of their business on the local economy.

Throughout the episode, the show provides valuable insights into the beverage industry's impact on water resources, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices. We learn how the beer industry is adapting to changes in water quality and availability due to climate change and the steps they are taking to reduce water usage and increase efficiency.

Overall, Into the Drink is an informative and engaging episode of Liquid Assets that provides a unique perspective on the importance of water for the beverage industry. It highlights the vital role water quality plays in the beer-making process and the need for sustainable water management practices to ensure the longevity of the industry.

Into the Drink is a series that ran for 2 seasons (18 episodes) between June 18, 2018 and on Liquid Assets