Basic Colonial Brewing #14 — Period Correct ways to get Yeast

I know Reinheitsgebot permits only water, hops, and malt as ingredients in beer but if you want to make beer, mead, cider or any other alcoholic brew, you need to add yeast.  In the 21st Century, many homebrewers just rip open an envelope of dried yeast from the local homebrew shop and add it to …

Historical Tidbits — Rosetta Stone Found 7/19/1799

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. The Rosetta Stone was Found July 19, 1799by Napoleon’s Army During Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign, a French soldier discovered and unusual stone while tearing down an old wall.  This …

“Rules by which a GREAT EMPIRE may be reduced to a SMALL ONE”

Franklin wrote this satirical piece while serving in London as the colonial agent for several colonies. His numerous letters to London newspapers presenting the colonists’ point of view were often reprinted in colonial newspapers. “Rules by which a GREAT EMPIRE may be reduced to a SMALL ONE” —The Public Advertiser, London, 11 September 1773(as printed …

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 …

“Beer” Recipe: Whiskey Rebellion Corn Beer

Okay, TECHNICALLY this is not a beer. According to Reinheitsgebot, beer must be made with malted BARLEY and this beer uses corn but AMERICAN beer is often made with whatever grain is available. I have dedicated this to the Whiskey Rebellion. During the American Revolution, individual states incurred significant debt. In 1790 Treasury Secretary Alexander …

The Problem of True North vs Compass North

Private ownership of land in the British colonies of North America, provided self-sufficiency for many and extravagant wealth for a few.  The idea of land as property came from England and accurate descriptions of property and its boundaries are essential.  For this reason, surveyors were essential not just in the newly acquired lands of North …