Patrick McGovern, the ‘Indiana Jones of Ancient Alcohol,’ Dies at 80

Patrick McGovern, a renowned archaeologist and alcohol historian, passed away at the age of 80. McGovern, often referred to as the "Indiana Jones of Ancient Alcohol," dedicated his career to uncovering and analyzing the residues of beverages consumed by ancient civilizations. Through his meticulous work, McGovern was able to reconstruct the formulations and brewing processes of these long-forgotten alcoholic drinks. His findings shed light on the cultural and social significance of alcohol consumption in various ancient societies, from the Phoenicians to the Aztecs. McGovern's research not only contributed to our understanding of the past but also inspired modern brewers to recreate these ancient beverages, allowing people to experience a taste of history. His pioneering work has been widely recognized, and he has been praised for his innovative approach to the study of archaeology and the history of alcohol.