Colonial Beer Drinking: A Historical Perspective

Drinking was a big part of life in the colonies, and beer was a staple. In fact, the average colonist drank six gallons of pure alcohol annually, compared to today's average of two. Beer was considered safer than water, which often carried diseases. It was also believed to be a cure-all, with the ability to cure the sick, strengthen the weak, and enliven the aged. Beer was so important that the first brewery in British America was established in 1632, and by 1770 the American brewing industry was well-established.

Beer was safer to drink than water

In Colonial America, beer was safer to drink than water. The belief that water was bad for one's health was not unfounded. In London Town, for instance, drinking water directly from the South River could cause sickness and vomiting. The river water was brackish, a mixture of salt and freshwater. Even attempts to dig wells for groundwater were often unsuccessful, as the wells were often contaminated by nearby outhouses. Germs, bacteria, and viruses had not yet been discovered, so people did not understand why they got sick from drinking water.

The first Europeans to arrive in the New World thought it would be a perfect place to make wine. However, European grapevines did not survive American pests and diseases. Successive experiments in establishing vineyards failed in Virginia, New England, Maryland, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Colonists did use native grapes to make wines, but these never supplanted European imports.

As a result, the first beverages of choice in Colonial America were cider and beer. Both were simple to make. For cider, the raw material, apples, were readily available. For beer, they turned to corn, wheat, oats, persimmons, and green cornstalks. Beer was also safer to drink than water because the first step in brewing beer is to boil the water, which kills the germs and bacteria and makes it safe to drink.

In 1612, the Dutch opened the first brewery in what would become British America in New Amsterdam. Breweries began to supply ordinaries and taverns. In larger population centers, this worked well because beer did not keep. Cities had enough drinkers to consume the beer before it spoiled.

Almost as soon as the colonies of New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont were established, their governors immediately established breweries to meet the demand of their subjects. The first brewery of Colonial America was opened in Manhattan by the Dutch West India Company in 1632. Beer was so important to the colonists that, in 1637, the Massachusetts Bay Colony legislature met to set the price of beer, fixing the new price at "not more than one penny a quart at the most."

Beer was so ubiquitous in Colonial America that it was even consumed by children. An early morning tankard of beer was typical, even for children. This tradition came from England. The Pilgrims loaded more beer than water onto the Mayflower. In fact, there is some evidence that they landed at Plymouth Rock, rather than Virginia, because the ship's crew wished to ensure they had enough beer to consume on the return voyage.

In Colonial America, drinking alcohol was a means of survival. Potable water was scarce, so almost all of what was available carried harmful diseases such as smallpox, lockjaw, and black vomit. For colonists, drinking water meant risking one's life, and no one who could afford otherwise dared to do it. Even children drank beer—a hard cider and molasses combination aptly named "ciderkin." Consuming alcohol was, therefore, a means of staying hydrated.

Beer was considered a food

The act of drinking beer also carried social significance. Only the most destitute drank water, and beer consumption was a way to display one's social status. Beer was also considered essential for a full day's work, providing the necessary calories and hydration. It was common for people to start their day with a tankard of beer, and children also drank a mild form of beer known as "small beer."

The belief in the health benefits of beer extended beyond social status and hydration. Many doctors prescribed and sold alcohol to their patients, and it was consumed at various social events, including business meetings, court hearings, auctions, and even funerals. Alcohol was also thought to cure or mitigate health problems. For example, whiskey was taken for colic and laryngitis, hot brandy punch was used to address cholera, and rum-soaked cherries were employed to combat the common cold.

The importance of beer in colonial society is further highlighted by the fact that it was included in daily rations for soldiers during the Revolutionary War. George Washington, as Commander of the Continental Army, proclaimed that every soldier should receive a quart of beer with their daily rations. He even had to fight the Continental Congress to restore beer rations when supplies ran low during the war.

In conclusion, beer was regarded as a food in colonial times due to its perceived nutritional value, social status symbol, and essential role in daily life and work. It was a staple in the colonies and played a significant part in the history and culture of early America.

Beer was a status symbol

Beer, on the other hand, was considered a food and a healthy substitute for water. It was also believed to be a marker of social status. Drinking alcohol was so ingrained in the culture that children drank a weak brew called "small beer". An early morning tankard of beer was typical in colonial America, even for children. This tradition came from England, where the Puritans who settled in America made do with hard cider when beer ingredients were not readily available.

Beer was also an important part of the workday for tradesmen. Alcohol lubricated social events such as christenings, weddings, funerals, trials, and election-day gatherings. It was also a staple at taverns, which were centres of civic life and where religious services and court sessions were often held.

The Founding Fathers were also known to be lovers of beer. Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, and James Madison promoted the brewing industry in the colonies, and George Washington operated a small brewery at Mount Vernon. Washington also fought the Continental Congress to restore beer rations for his troops during the Revolutionary War.

Beer was a staple of the colonial diet

As a result, beer, along with other fermented and brewed beverages like ale, cider, and wine, became a staple in the colonial diet. The first Europeans believed that the New World would be a perfect place to make wine, but they failed as European grapevines did not survive American pests and diseases. Beer, on the other hand, was simple to make. The raw material for cider, apples, was readily available, and for beer, they turned to corn, wheat, oats, persimmons, and green cornstalks. The first brewery in what would become British America was opened in Manhattan by the Dutch West India Company in 1632. Soon, breweries began to supply ordinaries and taverns. Beer was considered a food and a marker of social status—only the most destitute drank water.

Beer was also seen as a healthy substitute for water. Americans believed it was healthier to drink lukewarm alcohol during hot weather than cold water. Signs warning individuals of the dangers of cold water during the summer were displayed at public wells. The rationale was that when a person sweated, heat was lost from the inside of the body, and the stomach needed warmth, which could be provided by alcohol. Drinking an early morning tankard of beer was typical in colonial America, even for children. The Pilgrims, too, loaded more beer than water on the Mayflower and there is evidence that they landed at Plymouth Rock because their beer supply was running low.

Beer was also an important part of social events. Alcohol lubricated social events such as christenings, weddings, funerals, trials, and election-day gatherings. It was expected that alcohol would be served at funerals, typically in a large pot placed directly on the coffin!

Beer was enjoyed by the Founding Fathers

The Founding Fathers' affinity for beer is further demonstrated by the fact that Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence while drinking brews at Philadelphia's Indian Queen Tavern. Beer was also a staple for soldiers during the Revolutionary War, with Washington proclaiming that every soldier would receive a quart of beer with his daily rations.

The Founding Fathers' enjoyment of beer extended beyond just consuming it. They also understood its importance in colonial society. Beer was seen as a healthy substitute for water, which was often contaminated and unsafe to drink. It was also considered a food and a sign of social status, with only the most destitute drinking water. Beer was consumed at all times of the day and during various social events, including weddings, funerals, and business meetings.

The Founding Fathers' appreciation for beer is a testament to its significance in colonial America, where it played a vital role in the social, economic, and political life of the colonies.

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