The Regimental Brewmeister does “Talks” as well as brewing demonstrations.

The Regimental Brewmeister is happy to give talks and lectures at your site to audiences of any size. I ask that you provide appropriate auto visual projection equipment and event promotion. I typically come in 18th Century attire and conduct interactive discussions. While I am happy to consider talks on other subjects, I have delivered …

Sharpening your Knife with a Whetstone

First off, put some lubricant on your stone. You need to use a lubricant when sharpening your tools because doing it dry will generate enough heat that it will actually warp the blade. Typically, you should use mineral oil as a lubricating agent because it can effectively reduce the heat produced by friction, but if …

The US Constitution has Endured for 236 years but It was Never Perfect.  In fact, 3 of the Authors, Refused to Sign it.

In order to get the new US Constitution ratified, many compromises were required.  Because of this, although they supported the effort, several of the delegates did not place their signatures on the document.  Some chose to leave before the conclusion of the convention, but three notable men fought to the end but ultimately refused to …

Public Science – The Natural Philosopher as Entertainer

When most people think of science, they envision people cloistered away in labs working mostly with other scientists.  This has never been the reality.  Learning is a social activity the demands you communicate with others.  In the 18th Century, this certainly took the form correspondence win notable journals and publications like the Proceedings of the …

Slavery by Another Name

The acquisition of indentured servants and slaves began with the earliest days of the settling of America. Before 1680, the most common form of bound labor was the white indentured servant. Up to two-thirds of the English migrants who came to Virginia between 1630 and 1680 arrived in servile status. In return for the cost …

Buff and Blue: Whigs and Tories

When George Washington choose his uniform, he could have literally chosen any color scheme, so why buff (tan) and blue. The choice was not arbitrary.  The Whig party in England (not to be confused with Andrew Jacksons divisive party in the 1830’s) had been standing against the abuses of the crown since 1688.  Their rallying …

Judicial Death Penalties have always been Instruments of Terror.

In the 8th Century BCE, King Hammurabi of Babylon codified the death penalty for 25 different crimes. The death penalty was also part of the 7th Century BCE Draconian Code of Athens and the 5th Century BCE Roman Law of the Twelve Tablets. Death sentences were carried out by such means as crucifixion, drowning, beating …

A Solution to MAGA: How Alcohol Could Defeat the Antichrist (AKA Trump)

This is intended as satire, not advice…. I know many are frustrated and angry with today’s dysfunctional politics.  Many are wont to engage in violence but as the Regimental Brewmeister, I would be remiss in not pointing out a solution (pun intended) from history — distilled spirits.  Not only do these elixirs have the ability …