Ale to the selling of beer labeled "strong beer" that had actually been diluted with small beer. In medieval times, ale may have been safer to drink than most water (the germ theory of disease was unheard of, and the sterilizing properties of boiling unknown); however, there is no period evidence that people were aware of this nor that they chose to drink ale for this reason. The alcohol, hops, and some ingredients in gruit used to preserve some ales may have contributed to their lower load of pathogens, when compared to water. However, ale was largely safer due to the
Hoppy (drink) Hoppy (drink) Despite its beer-like flavor, Hoppy contains no purine bases. At the time of its launch, Hoppy mixed with "shōchū" (a Japanese distilled beverage) was considered a substitute for beer, which was beyond the reach of ordinary people. The mixed drink is referred to as Hoppy as well. It is still a staple among some Tokyo residents, and has experienced a retro revival of late. It is a popular item at izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), especially within the suburban old town area along the Keisei Main Line. Legally speaking, Hoppy is a non-alcoholic drink; however, it does contain about 0.8