For context’s sake, the beer of the time was a flavored beer that couldn’t be preserved, as it was often low in alcohol and lacked effective preservatives such as hops. It was called ale in English and cervoise in French, from the imperial Latin cereviesa, itself a borrowing from the Gallic cereuesa. As ingredients are expensive and cannot be stored, ale turns quickly. And yet, ale is an essential commodity, a foodstuff, AND a vital source of revenue for the authorities. That’s why regulations are heavy and inescapable, as are the many tricks to get around them.
Category Archives: History
What is the “encens road” ?
Resins have played an important role in human history, particularly in antiquity. In this article, we’ll explore the role of three specific resins: myrrh, frankincense and terebinth, focusing on their medicinal, economic and religious roles.
What is pulque, the sacred drink of the Aztecs ?
One of the most popular pulque legends tells the story of Mayahuel, a young girl who lived with her grandmother in Mexico. The god Quetzalcoatl fell in love with her, and they were eventually transformed into the branches of a forked tree. Mayahuel’s grandmother, furious, broke off her granddaughter’s branch and left it there to be devoured. Quetzalcoatl’s branch having remained intact, the loving god took the remains of his young lover and buried them. Thus was born the maguey plant and Mayahuel became a goddess. According to other legends, the princess was saved by Mayahuel. In all cases, divine intervention, salvation and taboo.
The Myth of Mexican Vienna Lager: history geopolitics, and revolution
This a well-known story. Emperor Maximilian I, an Austrian noble brought to Mexico by the French, is said to have introduced Vienna Lager to Mexico so that he could enjoy his native beer in his new homeland. He supposedly ordered the construction of a brewery to produce Viennese beers. The brewery was built in Orizaba, Veracruz, and was known as “La Constancia.” This is how Vienna Lager quickly gained popularity throughout Mexico, explaining the current popularity of this beer style.
All you need to know about Trappist Beers
Join us on a journey to uncover the unique origins of Trappist beers, from the early connections between abbeys and beer-making to the current regulations governing the use of the Authentic Trappist Product label.
Weaponized Drugs in Ancient Times
Poison hemlock was a popular plant used for military purposes in ancient Greece. The plant contains a toxic alkaloid called coniine, which can cause paralysis and death. It was often used to poison enemies’ food and water supplies or smeared on weapons, causing the enemy to suffer from convulsions and paralysis.
Odrerir, the mead that drove Odin mad
Odin’s Deception: The Quest for the Giant’s Mead – Discover the tale of Odin, a god with a bad reputation, who sets out on a mission to find the giant’s mead. See how Odin’s cunning and inspiration leads him to offer the giant’s slaves a sharp scythe that gathers the grain by itself. Find out how this leads to the creation of the much sought after mead and how Odin’s actions eventually lead to him claiming what is rightfully his.
The Birth of a Giant: The Story of the Molson Brewing Company
Raise a glass to the legacy of Molson Brewing! With a rich history dating back to the 1700s, Molson has established itself as a pioneer in the brewing industry. From its humble beginnings to its transformation into a public enterprise, the company has alw
Why entheogens matter
Entheogens played a crucial role in the rituals of many of these religions. They were also used in medicinal practices to treat a wide range of physical and psychological ailments. The use of entheogens was not limited to the lower classes and was widely accepted among the wealthy and powerful as well. In fact, some of the most influential figures in Roman history, such as Marcus Aurelius, were known to have used entheogens for their therapeutic benefits.
“The Immortality Key: A Must-Read for Those Interested in History and Psychedelics”
“The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name” by Brian Muraresku offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the history of psychedelics and their relationship to the origins of religion. The author presents a compelling argument that psychedelics, specifically the sacrament of kykeon consumed in ancient Greece, were an integral part of religious practices in ancient civilizations. This well-researched and well-written book challenges traditional views of religion and provides a fresh perspective on the subject. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, spirituality, history and psychedelics.
