Brewing
Nothing beats the taste of home brewed mead. Aged in plastic for all of its two weeks! But seriously, anybody whose even had a shot at making mead will still be able to hold a meeting on this topic that will get people enthused to make their own. Alcohol has that effect.
Materials Required
- An example of the type of liquor you're brewing
- Cups (unless you want to be communal)
- Any brewing equipment you can easily take in (especially air locks and fermentation vats)
- A few books with period pictures of people making alcohol (squashing grapes etc.)
Meeting Outline
Start off with a history of alcohol, or if you feel daring an explanation of the chemical processes involved. Mention Sir Kenhelm Digby and how he left mead open to the air in order that outside yeasts may fall in. Describe what different types of brews can be made (metheglins, ales etc.).
Explain the process of actually brewing in your own kitchen. Mention things to do and things not to do when brewing. Show an example of what this sort of process produces if at all possible. Show people how an airlock works. Give a few different recipes (perhaps mentioning how sparkling beveridges are made, but point out that these weren't made in period).
Possible Problems
Abstainers may well find this boring. Without making anything it is hard to get a meeting on brewing lasting over an hour, if you do make something it is hard to keep it under an hour. Needless to say, if brewing is illegal where you live, don't do it.
Other Options
Try and make something (preferably something that ages well). Perhaps turn it into an annual meeting and try the brew from last year and the year before etc.
Resources and References
There are two compleat anachronists on brewing that are handy. The Closet of Sir Kenhelm Digby Opened is invaluable.
The following web pages are also worthwhile:
Webbed by Conrad Leviston. Please mail any suggestions/corrections/comments