Medieval Beers And Wines - How Is It Made?

By Jessica Orlando Greenberg

I have always loved the medieval era. It was a time when people enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. It was the time when people didn't have to eat all that processed meat and the vegetables were not filled with pesticides and synthesized fertilizers. In simple words, food was fresh and healthy. Most people either lived as farmers, fishermen, or merchants during this time. Maybe if I was living in the medieval times, I'd probably be farming my own little plot of land, just beside my home!
Back in the Medieval times, people raised pigs, sheep, horses, and cattle. Even with the peasants, there's always a few chickens and ducks to raise, since most of these people really have to raise and grow their own food. It's the nobles and the kings who live an easy life. In any case, everyone's rather healthy, provided that there's no famine or plague within their community!

In any case, after a long day of work, the men would go to their favorite taverns to drink their favorite alcoholic drinks. If there's something that a guy looks forward to after all that farming, hunting, and working, it's a nice glass of ale or beer. Well, even with today, men still love their beer; however, these alcoholic drinks are a far cry compared to those made in the medieval times.
So, how did the people from the medieval ages prepare and make their alcoholic drinks? It actually depends on what kind of drink you're looking for. Most of the common alcoholic drinks at that time were beer, ale, mead, and cider. It's interesting to note that the taverns of the Medieval ages actually did not buy beer or ale from someone, but rather, the back room of the tavern is where the wine, beer, and ale are made. During the Roman era, the real beer was made from barley but as time passed, all other types of grain was acceptable. It wasn't until the 16th century where the seed of hops coming from oats and barley were used.
Cider was another tavern favorite. Well, even until today, cider is part of the tradition during Thanksgiving dinners. Apples are the main ingredient for cider. Most medieval taverns have the horse or cow drawn cider presses, therefore, it's usually the innkeeper or one of his hired help who prepares the cider. Once the apples have been pressed, the juice that comes out from the apples are placed inside the cider bottles and are stored until fermentation finally turns the apple juice into cider. The traditional cider presses were still used even until today, where some people love the taste of cider made by the traditional presses.

Wines are not as popular in Medieval England, since their weather is not suitable for growing grapes. However, in France, there are plenty of grape vineyards and, despite being old enemies, England's nobilities have no other choice but to rely on French wine makers for the best wines. Mead is the drink for the masses, as it's sweet taste is a favorite among nobility and commoners alike.

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