Urban Roots Lecture to explore beer brewing

“There’s a Garden in My Beer” captures the essence of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens Urban Roots Lecture set for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Free Range Brewing.

Beer is among the oldest beverages produced by humans. Ancient Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to perfect brewing. Eventually, beer found its way through the Middle East into Europe. During the Middle Ages, the addition of hops transformed beer into the beverage of which most people are now familiar.

How beer has been brewed and produced may have changed with time, but what has remained consistent is the use of plants and botanicals.

At this year’s Urban Roots Lecture, brewer and author Mary Izett will discuss the base ingredients of beer (barley, hops and yeast); gruits, which are herb mixtures for bittering/flavoring beer, and other historical botanical beverages; and the modern use of botanicals in beer for commercial and home brewing.

Izett is co-owner of Fifth Hammer Brewing Company in New York City and the author of “Speed Brewing: Techniques and Recipes for Fast-Fermenting Beers, Ciders, Meads and More.” She also cohosts “Fuhmentaboudit!” a weekly podcast on all things fermentable and is a certified nationally ranked beer judge. She has written for Ale Street News, All About Beer and Zymurgy magazines.

Individuals can register to attend the Jan. 30 Urban Roots Lecture at Free Range Brewing, 2320 N. Davidson St., for $10 in advance, $15 at the door.