1. Ancient Texts: Standage refers to ancient texts, including the Code of Hammurabi and Egyptian hieroglyphs, to study the origins of beer and its connection with early civilizations.
2. Archaeological Findings: He examines archaeological evidence, such as excavated remains of breweries and beer-making equipment, to provide insight into the evolution of brewing techniques throughout history.
3. Historical Documents: Standage consults historical documents, including medieval monastic records and travel accounts, to understand the role of beer in various societies and cultures.
4. Scientific Studies: He incorporates scientific studies and analyses, including research on the chemistry of beer and its ingredients, to explain the technical aspects of beer production.
5. Literary Works: Standage draws upon literary works, such as poems and plays, to gain cultural insights into the significance of beer in different periods and regions.
6. Interviews: He conducts interviews with experts, including historians, brewers, and archaeologists, to gain firsthand perspectives and additional information on the topic.
7. Historical Artifacts: Standage examines historical artifacts, such as beer bottles, labels, and advertisements, to shed light on the branding, marketing, and consumption patterns of beer over time.
8. Trade Records: He refers to trade records and economic documents to study the global trade and distribution networks that developed around beer.
Overall, Standage's approach to research involves a combination of primary and secondary sources, drawing upon a wide range of disciplines and fields of study to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded account of the history of beer.