Beer, before Shakespeare's time approximately, was not made with hops, it was made with assortments of bottanicals like Gin is. The hops were discovered to make it easier to be sure of getting a good batch every time so people went with hops, and much worse tasting and acting beer. Beer before that was a stimulant, that is why the legendary drinkers of the Viking age could drink for days straight. Beer was a health food too.
I always liked Gin and am thinking of brewing up some Gruit, or old style beer... dang, Gin chased with Gruit.. I'm going to get this drinking thing right yet....