The Spice Trade – Nutmeg, Mace, and Cloves

Okay, we are deep in the Pumpkin Spice season.  It’s not safe to order a cup of coffee lest you get dragged into the Anglo-Dutch Wars.  I like nutmeg and spices a lot but I think I would rather have Manhattan but the Dutch choose to keep the Maluku Islands and their special spice – …

Black Tea Punch

Punch was introduced from the Indian subcontinent to England by employees of the East India Company in the late 17th century.  The original drink was named paantsch from Hindi पाँच (pāñć), meaning “five,” as the drink was frequently made with five ingredients: alcohol, sugar, juice from either a lime or a lemon, water, and spices …

The Brewmeister was in Lewes

I brewed pumpkin beer in Lewes, DE yesterday at the Historic Lewes Town Campus of the Lewes Historical Society (https://www.historiclewes.org/locations/historic-shipcarpenter-street-campus/). For those of you who have not yet been to Lewes for its historical museums and interpretation, its well worth the drive (especially now that the summer season is over). Want to have the Regimental …

The Regimental Brewmeister is on BLUESKY

For about a year I played with broadcasting my blog onto Facebook. I have learned to truly loath a huge population of Facebook users and so this week I killed the feed. For those who use social media, you can converse with the Regimental Brewmeister on BlueSky (https://bsky.app/) as @colonialbrewer.bsky.social Want to have the Regimental …

Historical Tidbits — Siege Fort Mifflin

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. November 16, 1777         Siege Fort Mifflin On September 22, Howe succeeded in achieving an uncontested crossing of the Schuylkill River and four days later occupied Philadelphia.  Having taken the city, …

Historical Tidbits — Fort Washington taken by British

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. November 16, 1776         Fort Washington taken by British After winning a major victory on Long Island the British began to move against Manhattan in mid-September. Unwilling to abandon New York …

UPCOMING EVENT — Colonial Brewing in Lewes

Shipcarpenter Street110 Shipcarpenter StreetLewes, DE 19975 United States10:00 am – 4:00pm In the 18th Century, beer was critical to survival, even at sea. Join the Regimental Brewer for this, the last brewing session in 2024, in Lewes DE as we replenish ships stores. Samples of 18th Century beer will be provided and we will weave in a few …

Martha Washington’s Shrub

In the drink world, a shrub is a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is the most common base for shrubs, and herbs and spices are often added to create interesting flavor combinations. By the 18th Century, making shrub with no vinegar was considered passé but vinegar shrubs will make …

Historical Tidbits — Articles of Confederation

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. November 15, 1777 – Articles of Confederation, the first US Constitution, is passed on this date in 1777. Two days later, the Continental Congress sent the Articles to the …