History and beer have been intertwined throughout the ages, and Colonial Williamsburg will celebrate that heritage with a special conference this fall.
From Oct. 18-21, “Ales Through the Ages” will bring together beer craftsmen and scholars who will share insights, techniques and an appreciation for the beverage, Colonial Williamsburg said in a news release.
The conference will cover the “hidden corners of beer’s rich history from antiquity to craft brewing’s resurgence,” Colonial Williamsburg said. This will be accomplished through a series of talks by world-renowned beer experts and live demonstrations.
“This year’s ‘Ales Through the Ages’ conference promises new insights for anyone passionate about beer — whether brewing it, or just drinking it,” said Frank Clark, brewer and Colonial Williamsburg’s master of historic foodways.
During the conference, Valley Malt owner Andrea Stanley will host a live preparation of porter malt, while Clark will demonstrate 18th-century brewing techniques.
Conference sessions will be held in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, 326 Francis St. W. Here are some notable highlights:
- A presentation by Pete Brown, author of “Hops and Glory: One Man’s Search for the Beer that Built the British Empire” and “Miracle Brew: Hops, Barley, Water, Yeast and the Nature of Beer.”
- A talk about the historical impact of hops from brewer, journalist and author Stan Heironymus.
- The history of beer in Great Britain, told by food historian Marc Meltonville.
- Scholar and Avery Brewing Co. cellar manager Travis Rupp on beer in the Roman Empire.
- An examination of flavoring mixtures from Butch Helishorn.
- A joint presentation by Clark and Lee Graves on “Molasses, Beer, Hops and the Enslaved: Brewing in 18th-century Virginia.”
- Author Ron Pattinson will talk about the yeast Brettanomyces, commonly called “British fungus” and found commonly in certain Belgian beers.
Tickets are $375 and can be purchased on the Colonial Williamsburg website or by calling 1-800-603-0948 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Discounted tickets to the Historic Area will be available for $20 with the purchase of a conference ticket.
For more information, visit the Colonial Williamsburg event page.
