I have two brewing events in May (Morgan Log House on May 4 & Pennypacker Mills on May 18-19) and I desperately need assistant brewers. This program is growing and we have a solid following. If you are interested in learning the brewing process as it was practiced in 1777, if you enjoy teaching the public, and if you like Colonial beers, you should join the team. While I prefer to have people come to entire events (or a full day in multi-day events) any level of commitment is fine. Those who sign on before May 18th will have 2024 dues waived.

The Regimental Brewmeister and the Admiral of the Blue Apron Tavern are a non-profit, educational organization created in 2015 to accurately depict the trade of brewing and tavern keeping during the American Revolution.  This program has really grown up from simple presentation I put together for Graeme Park in 2015 to highlight the history William Keith’s at malthouse at “Fountain Low” (the original name of farm at Graeme Park).  Over the years, I have expanded the program
significantly.  Today, I field a pretty solid field brewery and tavern.  I put forth a substantial encampment and we are always a flurry of activity with lots of followers.

As a member of the Regimental Brewmeister’s Corps of Brewers, you will get to participate in various public presentations, reenactments (both military and civilian), and our unique tavern presentations.  We bring the past to life for the public at numerous historic sites throughout the region and we help the public understand why life in the 18th Century was just as fulfilling as life is today.  You even have the opportunity to be part of television and motion picture projects such as the programs we have done for the History Channel, the National Park Service, and local television stations.  We create period authentic beverages and then share that experience with the public.  We teach science and mathematical topics within the context of 18th Century trades and professions; and we show that there was more to colonial life and the American Revolution than just the obvious military activities portrayed by various military reenactment groups. 

Those who join our program will receive training in all aspects of both modern and historic brewing.  If you choose to participate in one of our other programs, this will also include trade skills (blacksmithing, carving, saddlery, et al) as well as technical training (surveying, basic chemistry, and other sciences).  The program will also provide you with liability insurance.

Oh, by the way, WE HAVE BEER!  In a typical year, we brew about 600 gallons of beer during public presentations.  We put some of this into our tavern and we share quite a lot with the public but somebody as to drink the rest.  Why not come out and join us.  Pull up a chair, tell a few stories, enjoy a few beers or perhaps some period cocktails and help us make the past real for our guests.

Benefits of being a member of the Regimental Brewmeister:

  • Learn to brew in the manner it was done in 1777.  This is different from modern homebrewing but once you learn the fundamentals it will make you a much better brewer regardless of the time period for which you make your beers.
  • We provide the brewery and the supplies.  I have invested significantly in creating a period correct field brewery.  You just need appropriate clothes and you are ready to be an active brewer, surveyor, or one of the other portrayals we do.
  • FREE BEER. Yes, we enjoy all the beer we brew. We are not yet prepared to sell the beer we brew so we give it away.
  • Great comradery. We are often the focal point of an encampment.  Once the armies have done their presentations, they come to us for libations. We interact with the public in much the same way.  Everyone loves to see the brewery in action.
  • Learning opportunities.  The best way to really learn something is to teach it.  We are a full immersion experience.  We teach history, commerce, and a little science as we perform our trade.

JOINING IS EASY. Simply complete the linked application and either mail or email it to the Brewmeister.  We will then contact directly and get a feel for what you are comfortable doing and how you can best fit into our crew.  All we ask (beyond dues) is that you come to three events each year.  Come be a journeyman apprentice and master the trade.  We would love to have you on our team. 

To apply, click here

Published by Michael Carver

My goal is to bring history alive through interactive portrayal of ordinary American life in the late 18th Century (1750—1799) My persona are: Journeyman Brewer; Cordwainer (leather tradesman but not cobbler), Statesman and Orator; Chandler (candle and soap maker); Gentleman Scientist; and, Soldier in either the British Regular Army, the Centennial Army, or one of the various Militia. Let me help you experience history 1st hand!