Reinheitsgebot

Reinheitsgebot. (ghayn'-hayts-ge-bot')

    A German law of which the title signifies "pledge of purity" or "order of purity." This purity law governs the production and quality of beer in Germany. Inspired by an earlier law instituted in by Duke Albert IV 1487, William VI, the elector of Bavaria, decreed in 1516 that only water, malted barley, malted wheat, and hops could be used to make beer. Yeast was not included but taken for granted. This law was ruled to be protective in 1987 and was repealed, allowing beers with adjuncts to be brewed and sold in Germany. However, all German brewers signed a collective agreement to continue to adhere to the Reinheitsgebot.