Colonial Small Beer compliments of Roberta Estes

My cousin spent his career being one of the tavern proprietors in Williamsburg, having retired not long ago. He literally became that man, and you can still tell it too when you talk to him.

He sent this along, and I thought everyone might enjoy it.

Hi Folks:
As most of you know I live in Williamsburg,Va. and have lived in the 18th century for 5 days out of a week. Here is some information from the 18th century:

In the 1700s and early 1800s,almost everybody drank beer and or wine. Mother made "small beer" for the family to have at the table for meals. SO! just in case you would like to bring back a "family tradition" here's how:
COLONIAL SMALL BEER
Start by boiling molasses, hops, and wheat bran, followed by straining the mixture and adding yeast for the fermenting process. Expensive malted barley was sometimes replaced by cornstalks or pumpkins. It retained the molasses taste.


Now for the adults:
PORTER BEER-see above, but made with a mixture of burnt molasses and sugar for color plus licorice for taste.

More wisdom from the 18th century. Dr. Ben Franklin said: " There are more old drunkards than old doctors";
"If God had not wanted you to drink ale he would not have fashioned your elbow to bend so"!


Enjoy!!!

robertajestes@att.net mailto:TLCGP-members@yahoogroups.com The Lost Colony