July 4, 2024
10 AM – 6 PM
Washington Crossing Historic Park
1112 River Rd
Washington Crossing, PA 18977

Okay, we are going back to Washington’s Crossing. Not to invade New Jersey (we’ll do that later) but to brew beer. Military expeditions were not possible in the 18th Century without vast quantities of beer (DON”T DRINK THE WATER!).  I will, therefore, be running a full, hands-on, demonstration where you can just watch, taste, hear, and smell the process, this is a full immersion experience!  Step back in time and join the team as we brew the wort for Spruce Beer to be drunk by the Continental Army. Beer was so critical to the health of the army that George Washington ordered his quartermasters in 1775 to provide each man “One quart of Spruce Beer per man, pr diem” in order to keep them fit for service during the siege of Boston.

At this event, you will learn:

  • The general history of beer and brewing in America and how the practice rose from a basic task performed in nearly every household to a profession which fed the various Taverns and Alehouses of our new nation.
  • The roles of the Colonial Tavern in the social, political, and civic life of early America.
  • Why everyone drank beer all day in order to stay healthy.
  • The difference between the parti-gyyle, the hoffbrau, and the small beer.  Who drank what and why so many styles from a single batch of malt?
  • Why beer was so critical to early life in America and how it fueled the debates that led to revolution
  • How to make beer with only your five senses and some basic field kitchen equipment
  • Beer Styles of the 18th Century and how to adapt historical recipes to work with modern supplies.
  • How beer in the 18th Century was very different than what we call beer today.

Want to have the
Regimental Brewmeister
at your site or event?

You can hire me.

https://colonialbrewer.com/yes-you-can-hire-me-for-your-event-or-site/

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!