In our mountains, beer had a special, almost sacred meaning. It was not a simple everyday beverage - beer was brewed at a specifically designated time and place. Every action was dictated by the unchanging rules of the ancestors.
In Khevsureti, Tusheti, and Pshavi, brewing beer was associated with various rituals, holidays, and community gatherings. Each occasion had its own time, form, and purpose. Beer was consumed following strict rules, with respect and shared responsibility.
Community Breweries and the Dasturis
In the highlands, beer was not brewed in private households, but in community breweries, which were often located near the shrines. Only authorized individuals - the "Dasturis" - were allowed to brew the sacred beer, maintaining strict spiritual purity during this period. This process was not just physical labor; it was a service where every action was performed with prayer and strict adherence to the rules.
Preparing beer was a collective endeavor. The whole village participated - from selecting the grain to fermentation and the final feast. In this process, beer became not just a drink, but a unifying force for the community. Tasting beer in the mountains was a true ritual - it was drunk from communal bowls, emphasizing the unity and equality of the community. There was no "just drinking" here; every sip was an oath of loyalty, a sign of reconciliation, or an expression of respect for the memory of the ancestors.
One of the most unique details in brewing beer was the use of juniper branches. They were laid at the bottom of the cauldron, acting as a kind of natural filter. However, juniper not only added flavor to the beer but also enhanced its antiseptic properties. This was the natural technology of the mountain brewers, giving the beverage a woody, resinous aroma.
In the mountains, beer was a part of order, dignity, and tradition. It strengthened the bond between people and with nature. Every sip carried the knowledge, rules, and history of the ancestors.