Beerage
Beerage is a Portmanteau word referring to members of the British Peerage who were in the Brewing industry.
In the 19th century the link between political donations and the honours system, though criticised, was more prevalent. The term carried connotations of political funding by brewers, and reciprocal favourable treatment of the brewing industry.
An instance of public use of the term arises in a debate on temperence in the British House of Commons Monday, Feb. 23, 1931
- Lady Astor: You might as well call it the beerage as the peerage.
- The Speaker (interjecting severely): I would remind the noble lady that it is a rule of this House not to say anything disrespectful of the Other Place (the House of Lords).