For thousands of years beer served as food and medicine; it had antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. The health benefits of beer not only come from the grains and yeast but also the hops. Hops contain a flavonoid called xanthohumol that strongly suppresses CYP1A2 (suppressing is good), a liver enzyme that metabolizes various environmental procarcinogens …
Author Archives: Michael Carver
To the Last Extremity – Spruce Ale
Americans love the idea of a last stand, a battle to the end. We see this in the Battle of Bunker Hill, WE see this during the War of 1812 at both Fort McHenry and at Chalmette, Louisiana, we see this during the Texas Revolution at the Alamo, at the Little Big Horn, WWII’s during …
The Irish in the American Revolution
It was coincidence only that Evacuation Day in Boston and St. Patrick’s Day fell on the same date. No one appreciated this concurrence more than George Washington who surrounded himself with officers of Irish birth, an whose army was estimated to be at least 48% Irish born Catholics. It was noted that the Commander-in-Chief made …
Historical Tidbits — British Retreat from Boston
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. March 17, 1776 – EVACUATION DAY: Following a protracted siege by the Continental Army, and the emplacement of artillery upon Dorchester Heights, the British retreat from Boston. On March …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — British Retreat from Boston”
An extra punchbowl for Cannonball Tavern
Okay, share your opinion. I have an extra punch bowl available for the Cannonball Tavern at Fort Mifflin (April 19). Please let me know which of these options most appeals to you: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L8H5XXS 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/
I’m Back! — The Admiral of the Blue Apron will run this year’s Cannonball Tavern at Fort Mifflin
Saturday, April 19th6:00 pm – 10:00 pm While few Officers’ Clubs survived the Cold War, we are going to bring back the tradition at Fort Mifflin this year. Military Officers’ clubs date back to the Middle Ages and were establishments where officers from the aristocratic landowners congregated. These were meant to be distinct from the …
Beer Recipe: Air and Exercise — Rattleskull
“Air and Exercise” = being whipped with a Cat-o-Nine-Tails. Prior to the arrival of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, American officers often imitated their British peers. In a rather startling example, George Washington once lobbied congress for permission to allow 500 lashes — “Air and Exercise”– as punishment to maintain discipline the Continental soldiers! Congress …
Continue reading “Beer Recipe: Air and Exercise — Rattleskull”
How was Colonial Beer Different
We recently held a brewing class at Fort Mifflin and one question was asked that deserves clarification in this blog: “How were beers of the 18th Century different from what we drink today?” I hope the table below adds some clarification. Colonial Beers vs Modern Beers: Key Differences Colonial BeerModern BeerMaltMixture of malted grains including …
Historical Tidbits — Battle of Guilford Courthouse
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. March 16, 1780 Battle of Guilford Courthouse The Battle of Guilford Court House was fought at a site which is now in Greensboro, North Carolina. A 2,100-man British …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Battle of Guilford Courthouse”
Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site
Add excitement and authentic color to your special event, or create one for your site, with Philadelphia’s best Colonial Brewer and tradesman. Whether it is a reenactment, motion picture, a tavern night for a private event, or other endeavor, I can bring can bring a real sense of authenticity and fun to your event and …
Continue reading “Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site”
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 