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GambrinusGambrinus is the legendary king or patron saint of beer. He is not, however, the patron saint of brewing or of brewers; that distinction falls to Arnulf of Metz (Saint Arnold), and alternately to Arnold of Soissons. In what is possibly the earliest known record of the name, the German poet Burkart Waldis mentioned Gambrinus in the year 1543, explaining that Gambrinus learned the art of brewing from Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of motherhood and fertility. The origin of the character is most widely believed to be Jean Sans Peur (1371-1419), a former duke of Bergundy who some believe to be the inventor of hopped malt beer, and who was otherwise known as Gambrivius. Historically, some postulated that Gambrinus was Charlemagne's official brewer, but there is no historical evidence to support such a claim. Possible Latin etymologies of the name include cambarus (cellarer) and ganeae birrinus (one who drinks in a tavern). Although not as likely, Gambrinus might also derive from camba, a word from the Celtic language family that refers to a brewer's pan. Gambrinus is often depicted either in kingly garb, dressed as a knight of the European Middle Ages, or (less commonly) as a plump old man. Because of Gambrinus' signifance, numerous European and North American brewers have adopted the character (or his name) in their beer brands. At least three notable breweries are named for Gambrinus, including the Gambrinus Brewery of the Czech Republic; The Gambrinus Company of San Antonio, Texas, USA; and Gambrinus of Mulhouse, Alsace, France.
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