Research is a tricky word, which is why I try to avoid it at all costs.

Icelanders are famous for knocking back Brennivín, a local version of schnapps so lethal it’s also known as “black death,” but beer was illegal on the island for 75 years, until March 1, 1989.

Lambics are brewed “wild,” with yeast that naturally occurs in the environment, and fermented in oak barrels, for a whole different kind of flavor than you might associate with lagers and other brews created under strictly controlled conditions.

It may still be September, but starting tomorrow in Munich, it’s Oktoberfest, that annual free-for-all of beer, pretzels and leather shorts.