Getting Paid to Drink Beer… The Ale Conner

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 to inspect alehouses, breweries, and the market stalls of local alewives.

http://colonialbrewer.com/2026/03/12/getting-paid-to-drink-beer-the-ale-conner/

2026 Brewmeister Merchandise

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 Secret Codebook: Companion Book for Revolutionary Spy Craft Programs run by the Regimental Brewmeister…

http://colonialbrewer.com/2026/03/10/2026-brewmeister-merchandise/

The Patriot’s Paradox

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 and it has presented me with a paradox I would like to explore further.

http://colonialbrewer.com/2026/03/05/the-stone-fence-3/

Kick off the new year with Historic Rittenhouse Town!

Tavern NightSaturday, February 8th Historic Rittenhouse Town Join Historic Rittenhouse Town for Tavern Night! Come join us as the buildings and grounds of our historic 18th-century homestead are transformed into a tavern from the 1770s, where the simple pleasures of good food, drink, and fellowship collide. Tavern Night will feature an evening of storytelling and merriment, complete with 18th-century beer and…

http://colonialbrewer.com/2025/02/03/kick-off-the-new-year-with-historic-rittenhouse-town-2/

Tonight is Purim

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 new queen (sounds Epstein-like doesn’t it?).

http://colonialbrewer.com/2026/03/03/tonight-is-purim/

Siege Weekend @ Fort Mifflin

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.

http://colonialbrewer.com/2026/03/03/siege-weekend-fort-mifflin/

The Tavern Sign

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 12th century and were simple representations of tankards, hops and other brewing-related paraphernalia used to inform passersby…

http://colonialbrewer.com/2026/02/22/the-tavern-sign/

Help Wanted — Immersion Weekend in New York

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 18th Century tavern (we get the whole thing) as well as 18th Century brewing and cocktail classes.

http://colonialbrewer.com/2026/02/10/help-wanted-immersion-weekend-in-new-york/

A Yiddish Version of the Declaration of Independence

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 Committees or Councils of Safety, and to the several Commanding…

http://colonialbrewer.com/2026/01/27/a-yiddish-version-of-the-declaration-of-independence/

Open your purse on Plough Monday

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 ask for money for the harvest.

http://colonialbrewer.com/2026/01/13/supply-chain-issues-the-bread-famine-in-18th-century-france-5/