Getting Paid to Drink Beer… The Ale Conner

Imagine getting DRAFTED into office where your job is to drink beer. Well, that is exactly what happened in medieval England. Ale conners (also known as ale-tasters or ale-cunners) were local officials appointed by a baron or marquis to ensure the quality and fairness of ale and beer production in their county. Their job was …

2026 Brewmeister Merchandise

For a couple of years, I have been selling books at my events. I will continue to offer copies of the following books at events in 2026: Beers and Beer Stories by the Regimental Brewmeister $15 Admiral of the Blue Apron’s Bartender Guide Book: A View into Colonial Era Spirits and Cocktails $15 George Washington’s …

The Patriot’s Paradox

Every once in a while, you are struck by how truly strange our political world has become.  I am not referring to the disfunction in our US government (directly) but rather our day-to-day interactions between seemingly normal, patriotic Americans.  Case in point:  I had a very interesting interaction with my SAR compatriots, on Washington’s Birthday …

Tonight is Purim

Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring).  This year is a poignant celebration given that Israel is at war with Iran (historic Persia). In the 4th century BCE, Persian King Ahasuerus had his wife, Vashti, executed for failing to follow his orders, then he arranged a beauty pageant to find a …