History of Old Newbury in 3 Drinks: Part I: BEER 1635-1700

Did you know that Newbury's Dionis Stevens Coffin brewed the beer in her Newbury tavern and went to court in to 1653 to protect its stellar reputation? Did you know that a low-alcohol "small beer" was brewed to be consumed all day by all Newbury citizens, even children? Court and property records provide rich details of how and what people drank in Newbury in the 17th century, and what sometimes befell them afterward. Join Bethany and James Dorau for an illustrated talk and tasting on the history of beer (and cider and perry) in early Newbury, from European settlement to the ascendancy of rum in the 18th century. Learn how taverns, second only in importance to the meeting house, centered our community, and how brewing, fermenting, and serving beer changed over time. Explore how our former neighbors understood not only the benefits of beer, but its potential dangers as well.