In this special episode, we delve into the fascinating world of historical brewing with Dr. Susan Flavin, a historian from Trinity College Dublin, and Marc Meltonville, a food historian and historic brewing expert. Together, they’ve undertaken the ambitious project of recreating a 16th-century Irish beer, complete with building a period-accurate brewery using traditional tools and techniques.
Join us as Susan and Marc share the intricate details of their journey, from sourcing heritage grains like bear barley from Orkney to recreating a 16th-century brew house with handcrafted equipment. They discuss the challenges of finding and preparing the right ingredients, including bear barley, oats, and Flemish hops, and the painstaking effort required to ensure the entire brewing process was as authentic as possible—right down to the water sourced to match Dublin Castle’s 16th-century aquifer.
We also explore the historical context behind their project, shedding light on the significance of beer in 16th-century Ireland, where it was more than just a drink but a crucial part of the daily diet for many. Marc and Susan explain how they relied on historical records, household accounts, and archaeological evidence to guide their brewing process, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who brewed and consumed beer in Tudor Ireland.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a beer aficionado, or simply curious about the lengths required to recreate the past, this episode offers a deep dive into the meticulous world of experimental archaeology. Learn how this recreated beer compares to modern brews and what it reveals about the diets and daily lives of people in 16th-century Ireland.
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You can learn more about the project at https://foodcult.eu/exhibition/brewing-historical-beer/