Literature and beer? Hmmm

I don't recall paying attention to references to beer/wine/liquor when I was in middle or high school, which just so happens to be when I was introduced to literature.  But low and behold, there are many references to the delicious beverages of the time throughout literature.

"For a quart of ale (especially the one pictured below) is a dish for a king"
- William Shakespeare

‘A Winter’s Tale'

Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout (6.1% ABV)
Rogue Ales
Newport, Oregon

Just imagine how much they would have referenced their beloved beverages if there were drinking some of the delicious and crazy stuff that we have stashed away in our beer closets and under our guest beds...