Brewing, in every country, whose soil and climate are congenial to the production of the raw materials, should be ranked among the first objects of its domestic and political economy. If any person doubt the truth of this position, I have only to request him to cast an eye on England, where the brewing capital is estimated at more than fifteen millions sterling; and the gross annual revenue, arising from this capital, at seven million five hundred thousand pounds sterling, including the hop, malt, and extract duties. Notwithstanding this enormous excise of 50 per cent. on the brewing capital, what immense fortunes have been made, and are daily making,
in that country, as well as in Ireland and Scotland, by the intelligent and judicious practice of this more than useful art.
One of the earliest brewing texts published in America, “The American Practical Brewer and Tanner”, was written in 1815 by Joseph Coppinger. The author offers a detailed description of all aspects of the brewer's art, including the cultivation of hops and barley.