Beer is the world’s favourite alcoholic drink. Football is the world’s favourite spectator sport. What happens when the two of them come together in an international footy tournament? Fun, friendship and connection. At the time of writing this, Scotland has just been eliminated from the men’s World Cup 2026 but the bonds built by the Tartan Army, as the travelling supporters are known, go beyond anything their team achieved on the pitch. For the fans it was bagpipes, kilts, joy, and beer. They drank the bars dry and were so friendly and good natured that the Mayor of Boston plans to strengthen ties with Scotland by establishing a sister-city partnership with Glasgow.
On a visit to Zambia where there are 72 tribal languages I studied enough of the four main dialects to make myself understood when I ended up in the bar each night to drink Mosi, the local brew, and watch the footy on TV. It was there I learned that in addition to beer there is another global language – football. Fortunately, I am fluent in both so now I have new mates in Mongu, Lusaka, and Mufulira. It may have been Harry Kane who introduced us, but it was beer that sealed our friendship.
Something Magical Always Happened
I realised the power of beer several years ago when I occasionally took overseas visitors around one of Britain’s most celebrated breweries. Some spoke little or no English, but it didn’t matter because we had beer in common. In the taproom something magical always happened. Noise levels increased, laughter punctuated the air, the atmosphere became jolly, and everyone started talking to each other – regardless of mother tongue. Then afterwards as they left, faces lit up with smiles, they invariably headed to the nearest pub for more beer together with their new pals.
International Diplomacy – Fuelled By Beer
Beer’s soft power also extends to international diplomacy. Successive British Prime Ministers have taken their visiting counterparts to the boozer near Chequers for the all-important photo op of them both at the bar holding a pint. In Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, all brewing powerhouses, overseas politicians invariably lift a stein, chalice, or tübinger in recognition of the importance of beer. American Presidents and other high-profile politicians also know the ability of the pint to send a message to Irish heritage voters back home when they visit Ireland and drink the obligatory glass of Guinness.
Supernatural Bonding Ability
Beer has a supernatural bonding ability. I’ve witnessed this so many times that I wrote the lyrics for an anthem to beer to reflect its extraordinary genius in uniting us. Click here for more information. This is the first verse.
“What drink forever will bring us together: Let’s raise a glass of beer!
What drink elates us and exhilarates us: Let’s raise a glass of beer!
Nature’s gift water, hops, malt and yeast – a wholesome panacea
And the whole world unites with our favourite pint: Let’s raise a glass of beer!”
Beer – The Lingua Franca
When Ludwig Zamenhof invented Esperanto in 1887 his goal was for humans to communicate in a common language so peace and understanding could be fostered regardless of national tongues. Perhaps he was unaware that a lingua franca already existed and it is called beer.
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By Jane Peyton, Founder of the School of Booze. If you are interested in Jane’s beer books and online courses click here. Books. Courses.
