Martyn Cornell

Martyn Cornell (1952–2025) was an internationally respected beer historian, journalist, author, and valued contributor to The Beer Connoisseur. Renowned for his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Martyn spent more than four decades exploring the history of beer, particularly the origins and evolution of British brewing traditions. His work challenged long-standing myths, uncovered forgotten stories, and helped deepen the beer community’s understanding of brewing history.

Throughout his distinguished career, Martyn contributed to newspapers and publications across the United Kingdom, Middle East, and Asia, including The Times, The Daily Telegraph, and the South China Morning Post. His influential books included Beer: The Story of the Pint (2004), Amber, Gold & Black: The History of Britain’s Great Beers (2010), Strange Tales of Ale (2015), and Around the World in 80 Beers: A Global History of Brewing (2024). His final book, Porter and Stout: A Complete History (2025), was published just three days after his passing, representing the culmination of seven years of research into three centuries of brewing history across 56 countries. A founding member of the British Guild of Beer Writers, Martyn earned numerous industry honors, including Beer Writer of the Year and Beer Blogger of the Year. He also founded the acclaimed Zythophile blog in 2007, establishing an invaluable resource for beer enthusiasts, brewers, and historians interested in the origins and traditions of beer. Beyond his professional achievements, Martyn was an enthusiastic traveler, music lover, and devoted supporter of Queens Park Rangers Football Club. His curiosity, wit, and passion for uncovering the truth behind beer’s history made him a distinctive and influential voice in beer journalism. Martyn passed away in August 2025 at the age of 72. At The Beer Connoisseur, we are proud to have featured his work and to preserve his contributions for future generations of beer enthusiasts. His scholarship and dedication to historical accuracy left a lasting mark on beer writing, and his legacy continues through the remarkable body of work he left behind. Scroll down to explore Martyn Cornell’s articles published in The Beer Connoisseur. Explore Martyn Cornell’s Work and Legacy

Actually, the “Hymn to Ninkasi” Is Not a Beer Recipe

The Hymn to Ninkasi has long been hailed as the world’s oldest beer recipe—but modern scholars say we may have…
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A Trip Around the World in 80 Beers

Martyn Cornell’s new book, ‘Around the World in 80 Beers,’ represents a “trip from one side of the planet to the…
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The Inspiration Behind America’s First Craft Brewery

When Jack McAuliffe opened his one-and-a-half-barrel brewery on Eighth Street East in Sonoma, California in the spring of 1977, after…
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Everything You Need to Know About Guinness

Discover the rich history and diverse flavors of Guinness, from creamy stout in Ireland to Foreign Extra Stout in Africa…
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Craft Beer in Mallorca

One of the big benefits of the global craft beer boom is that it is now possible to go on…
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The Complete Truth About the Origin of India Pale Ale (IPA)

Because of its popularity, most craft drinkers know – or think they know – how India Pale Ale began. Trouble…
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The Difference Between Porter and Stout

Historically a stout was simply a strong version of porter. Today the difference is whatever you want it to be.
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Literary Beer: Brewing in the Classics

Great novelists did not just write about strong beer. Take James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” for example, undoubtedly one of the great…
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Going For A Burton

The Third Avenue bar, situated next to the Sheraton Hotel on Electra Street in Abu Dhabi a few hundred yards…
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Schlitz: How Milwaukee’s Famous Beer Became Infamous

The disastrous effect of deciding to reduce product quality salami slice by salami slice is now known in business circles…
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Ancient Irish Ale

It was a tough life being a king in ancient Ireland. The Irish poetic epic called “the Cattle Raid of…
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Raise a Glass (Darkly) to Daniel Wheeler

Just over 190 years ago, one of the most important inventions in the history of brewing was unveiled in Britain…
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