What major event related to brewery safety occurred at Meux's brewery on October 17, 1814?

On October 17, 1814, a significant event known as the Great Porter Flood occurred at Meux's brewery in London. This incident was characterized by a catastrophic failure of a large fermentation vessel, which resulted in the release of approximately 1.4 million liters (or about 350,000 gallons) of porter. The resulting torrent caused devastating flooding in the neighborhood, leading to significant property damage and tragically claiming the lives of several individuals.

The significance of the Great Porter Flood lies not only in its immediate impact on the community but also in its historical context concerning brewery operations and safety. This event highlighted the potential dangers associated with large-scale brewing processes, particularly the need for stringent safety measures and structural integrity when handling vast amounts of fermenting beer under pressure. Additionally, it spurred discussions and reforms regarding brewing practices and the design of beer storage vessels in the industry.

While the other options pertain to various aspects of brewing history, such as the introduction of mechanical brewing or incidents involving fire or flooding in general, they do not capture the specific and impactful nature of the event at Meux's brewery that day. The Great Porter Flood remains a defining moment in the annals of brewing history, serving as a stark reminder of the risks associated