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 …
Continue reading “Getting Paid to Drink Beer… The Ale Conner”
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 …
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 …
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 …
Well its official, the Regimental Brewmeister will be returning to Fort Mifflin’s Siege Weekend this year on November 14. 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/
Because of their abundance, the names pubs take were designed to be memorable—but more than that, they were designed to be visual. Outside any traditional pub worthy of its title, you’ll find a hanging signboard with a unique illustration that represents the name of the business. The first British pub signs were created in the …
I am looking for 10 solid tavern goers who are interested in an immersion weekend and willing to travel to Albany, NY. On August 8, the Admiral of the Blue Apron will be hosting an immersion weekend on 18th Century beverages and tavern culture. The program will include a full tavern in a fully restored …
Continue reading “Help Wanted — Immersion Weekend in New York”
British officers were stunned to find the Declaration of Independence together with an unintelligible document – a Yiddish translation. Just as the Torah is intended to be read aloud, a practice that continues in synagogues to this day, the Continental Congress ordered that copies of the Declaration be sent “to the several Assemblies, Conventions, and …
Continue reading “A Yiddish Version of the Declaration of Independence”
Plough Monday (the first Monday after Epiphany or January 6) marks the traditional start of the English agricultural year. It is often celebrated with some unorthodox partying/fundraising. A boy dressed as an old woman (called the “Bessy”) and man dressed as an animal (called the “Fool”), accompanied by roving musicians, drag a plough from house to house to …
Handsel Monday, the first Monday after January 1, was an old 18th century Scottish tradition where masters would give their servants presents and give them the day off. Sweet! “Handsel” is a Middle English word meaning good luck or good omen. The handsel present was typically money, meaning even the poorest servant had a little extra cash …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 