In memory of THL Wolfgang Starcke, head of this guild from 2014 to 2017, the Aethelmearc Guild of Brewers, Vintners, and Meadhers is working to assemble a SCAdian brewing book. Of you we ask to please share with us your recipes – help us remember Wolfgang as we hope he would appreciate.
Points for Participation: A program designed to encourage participation in brewing activities throughout the kingdom. Check out the details at our participation page.

Events
NOTE: We will not publish any new upcoming events on this list until the COVID-19 lockdown is lifted sufficiently that there is a reasonable expectation of the event happening. While we realize that brewers may have insufficient notice to prepare beverages for any particular event, we feel that we do not do anyone a service by possibly lagging behind the more accurate kingdom calendar with regard to the timeliness of postponements or cancellations. The events listed below reflect the most current information derived from the kingdom calendar.

We endeavor to keep up a certain level of activity throughout the Kingdom. Below are a few events where we will be having brewing-related classes, meetings, competitions and other various activities:

2020 In-person events are happening. In addition, the SCA Board of Directors has announced an end to special protocols for events effective 1 December 2022. Look for guild activities at events to start up again once the new guildmaster and the regional deputies respond to these changes.
2020 Zoom Room Brewers Roundtables TBD

Activities:

Each regional representative is encouraged to host a minimum of one round table within their region each year. Round tables should focus on tasting and feedback for brewers, discussion on one or more points of period brewing, information for newcomers, or some combination of the above. Competitions are encouraged but not required. Contact information for each region is on the Organization page.

From the Guild Head:

The Crowns' largesse coordinator is constantly seeking gifts that can be given by Their Majesties in gift baskets to foreign dignitaries, as tokens of appreciation to the populace, or as comestibles at social events. Small bottles of home brewed beverages make excellent largesse gifts.

Comments, questions, opinions, and suggestions may be shared on either the Yahoo group, the Facebook page, or directly with Madoc or your regional representative.

Regional guidelines for official Guild-sponsored competitions can be viewed at or downloaded from the Resource page.

News:

Seeing good brewers, vintners, and meadhers recognized for their efforts is very rewarding. Remember that any member of the populace can recommend any other person for any award. You do not have to be a member of an order to recommend someone for membership in that order. Use the online award recommendation form located here to ensure that your recommendation goes to the appropriate individuals.

16 July At the Barony of St. Swithin's Bog Three-Day, Ulf Bareleg was inducted into the Order of the Fleur d'AEthelmearc for his excellence in brewing.
9 July 2022 At Pax Interruptus, Their Majesties elevated Cristina inghean Ghriogair to the Order of the Laurel, largely because of her embroidery, but one cannot ignore her excellent vintning when discussing her affinity for the arts and sciences.
24 April 2022 After five years as Guildmaster (and three years as a regional deputy), Madoc Arundel is stepping down from the guild leadership. The position of Guildmaster will be filled by Elska a Fjarfelli - up until now the Region 5 Deputy. She will be assisted by Violeta de Valencia (former head of the BMDL baronial guild) as the Deputy Guildmaster. We wish to thank Master Madoc for his hard work in building on his predecessors vision and we look forward to Mistress Elska's and THL Violeta's leadership taking us to the next level of innovation in historical brewing.
April 2022 The guild was twice blessed by the kindness of Their Majesties who hosted a fundraiser for the guild at Their Coronation as well as donating items for a "flea market" fundraiser at Beer & Bacon Bash. The money raised will go largely toward funding the ability of the guild to operate their mini-bar at War Practice and Pennsic.
January 2020 BMDL 12th Night was once again the site of one of the most prolific Tasters' Taverns on the kingdom calendar. The Debatable Brewers once again provided a variety of tasty treats along with a tasting challenge for party goers. Two or three "guest hosts" provided additional libations. All told, about 10 gallons of beer and another 5 or 6 gallons of assorted meads and wines were served.
January 2020 Kingdom 12th Night saw Meistr Madoc and Lord Ulf providing beer and hard cider for revellers. Lord Ulf was inducted into the Order of the Howling Wolf, and Their Majesties declared that for the duration of their reign, it should be known as the Howling Ulf.
September 2019 Harvest Raid saw the Guild supporting the Friday night party and vigil for Duchess Siobhan. About 20-gallons of homemade beverages were spotlighted on the open bar.
August 2019 Pennsic War saw a reprise of the guild-sponsored open bar in AE Royal. BMDL, Endless Hills, Horse Piss Tavern, Myrkie Meadhers, and a host of individuals from across the kingdom showed up throughout War Week to provide bartenders and product under the supervision of Lady Cairdha Eilis. The bar supported the Pennsic half-marathon, royal court, several private activities, and (of course) the kingdom party in addition to being open nightly for casual sampling.

Mistress Elska and Lord Ulf led a demonstration of Stone Age stone beer brewing on middle Saturday that attracted much positive attention from across the Known World. Master Madoc and Lord Ulf supported Master Hrolf's vigil with brewed beverages of both the hard and soft variety.

Her Majesty Juliana sponsored the first Royal Brewer competition that was won by Lord Ulf.
May 17, 2019 Three fantastic activities the Friday night of War Practice: First, the results of the Ulfbrau Challenge. Seven brewers had taken up the challenge, and came to share their stories and their beverages with the crowd. This was followed by Duchess Anna Leigh's Grand Beverage Showcase, in which three guilds: Brewers, Apothecary, and Cooks - judged all types of beverages. Young Simon a Fjarfelli took the Cook's with his homemade rootbeer. Baron Rauthbjorn won the Brewer's with his raspberry kvass. Magdalena Txoperena de Guerra took the Apothecary's with her limoncello. Finally, the "social" portion of the Grand Beverage Showcase and Social, which lasted all the way up until the drizzle started. This included a "populace choice" among all of the beverages from whatever source. The populace choice was an overwhelming win for the Horse Piss Tavern.
Apr 20, 2019 Beer & Bacon Bash saw the Region 2 Brewing Championship and Brewing Open. Lord Hundrthor the Pintsman won both the Regional Championship and the Open with a mint metheglin.
Feb 9, 2019 Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins saw the Region 5 Brewing Championship and Brewing Open. THL Robert of Ferness won the Regional Championship with a rauchbier. Master Gille won the Open with a 14th century braggot.
Jan 12, 2019 BMDL 12th Night... and the BMDL baronial guild showed up in force. They brought a variety of wines and meads, including a science experiment enjoyed by dozens of quaffers. They even had a gluten-reduced beer, named in honor of His Excellency Bran Dubhe. Product and/or bar service by Alysoun, Absalon, Nohaaj, Tofi, Pavel, Asvald, Jorundr, Muirgheal, Ronan, and Job. Guest beverages by Madoc.
Jan 5, 2019 Kingdom 12th Night saw Madoc, Ulf, and Nohaaj stocking a real bar at an awesome site. Quaffers drained about 18 gallons of beer and a handful of bottles of mead.
Oct 27, 2018 Kings Crossing Tavern Brawl: Although the competition didn't draw any entries, Jodocus van Cleef led a round table discussion aimed at information for new or non brewers. Roughly a dozen people attended with a variety of questions about getting started in the hobby. Keep your eye on this event for next year - I expect brewing to grow as a hobby in Kings Crossing.
October 13, 2018 Kingdom A&S Champions: Lord Ulf Barelegged entered a strawberry wheat. Meistr Madoc sponsored an on-site tasters tavern.
July 27 - August 12, 2018 Pennsic War 47: The bar service at AE Royal went over very well. Not only was the bar open daily from middle Saturday through Thursday, but was also made available during court in the Great Hall and on the roadway in front of AE Royal during Midnight Madness. Multiple brewers participated in the A&S displays, IKBG competition, and various round table discussions. Guild members also taught a variety of classes with brewing themes. All in all, the Guild was well represented and made a good impression on the kingdom and the Known World as a whole.
June 23, 2018 Queen's Prize Tournament and A&S Faire: Lord Ulf Barelegged presented a study in braggot. THL Astrid included documented-as-period jello shots sampler as a part of her cooking entry.
June 16, 2018 Spring AEthelmearc AEcademy: Master Gille hosted a round table discussion with no specific theme. Meistr Madoc taught classes in preparing an entry for a brewing competition and organizing a brewing competition.
June 2, 2018 Myrkfaelinn War Practice: Their Majesties inducted Cristina inghean Ghriogair into the Order of the Fleur d'AEthelmearc for excellence in vintning and embroidery.
May 17-20, 2018 War Practice: The-Peer-Formerly-Known-As-Countess Anna Leigh's Grand Beverage Showcase and Social. Celebrating the science of brewing as well as the cooperation between multiple guilds, the showcase and social took place Friday evening from 6PM until roughly Midnight. Two brewers/vintners/meadhers joined two apothecaries and one cook in taking away prizes in the various competitions. Most notable was Lady Cristina inghean Ghriogair who took "Best of Show" with her Cornel Cherry Wine.
May 12, 2018 Crown Tournament: Their Majesties inducted Ulf Barelegged into the Order of the Sycamore for excellence in brewing.
April 14, 2018 Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon: Elska á Fjárfelli was elevated to the Order of the Laurel for Household Arts and Meadhing.
April 7, 2018 Beer & Bacon Bash V: Five brewers entered a buttload of entries, including two first-time competitors for this event. The overall winner was Lady Cristina inghean Ghriogair with a cherry wine. The Region 2 Champion was (once again) Baron Rauthbjorn Lothbroke with a lemon-nutmeg metheglin. Madoc Arundel was elevated to the Order of the Laurel for Brewing and Vintning.
March 9-11, 2018 Known World A&S Symposium: Hosted by our neighbors to the East, the docket included an entire brewing track on Saturday. THL Madoc and Baroness Katerina represented the Guild ably in the round table discussions and informal tastings that took place on Friday and Saturday evenings.
February 10, 2018 Tavern in the Park: THL Madoc and THL Jorundr spearheaded the Tasters Tavern for this BMDL event.
January 13, 2018 BMDL 12th Night: THL Madoc Arundel hosted the Tasters Tavern, which offered a variety of wines and meads as well as 30 gallons of beer/ale from five different brewers - Lady Alysoun of the Debatable Lands, Nohaaj, Sean of Hahvehbier, and Stiofan of Hahvehbier joined Madoc in supplying the populace with fine libations. Additionally, Madoc was made an Amicus Cometus by Their Excellencies Debatable Lands for hosting this activity over the last four years.
October 7, 2017 Crown Tournament: Lady Alysoun of the Debatable Lands hosted a Brewers Round Table. The topic of discussion was "Describe your ingredients and processes."
September 30, 2017 Harvest Raid: Lady Morgana le Coeur hosted a Brewers Round Table. The topic of discussion was "What did you bring and how did you make it?"
September 3, 2017 Shoot in the Wildwood: The Region 5 Brewing Championship had a half dozen people participate in the combined championship and round table, with several interesting entries in the Beer, Wine and Cordial categories. THL Cristina Inghean Ghriogair became the regional champion for her Birch Beer Trial - a series of three beers made using birch sap as a primary fermentable.
July 8, 2017 Pax Interruptus: Baron Caleb Reynolds was inducted into the Order of the Fleur d'Æthelmearc for Brewing.
May 18-21, 2017 War Practice: THL Elska taught Brew Mead Like a Viking. THL Madoc taught How to Judge an SCA Brewing Competition and Drinking Like a Roman. Also, the Guild held a round table with a "no threat" round-robin competition on Friday night (this was the culmination of the judging class taught earlier in the day.)
April 22, 2017 Coronation: THL Elska á Fjárfelli was inducted into the Order of the Fleur d'Æthelmearc for Brewing and Household Arts.
April 15, 2017 Bacon & Brewing Bash IV: Lady Elska á Fjárfelli won the overall competition with her hive mead. Baron Rauthbjorn Lothbroke won the Region 2 Championship with a tie between his kvass and his reduced pyment. There were ten entries from five brewers overall.
April 8, 2017 Ice Dragon: Lord Wolfgang passed the mantel of leadership to THL Madoc Arundel. Lord Wolfgang served as the Guild Head for more than three years, and is largely responsible for the increase in the number of brewing round tables kingdom-wide, for increasing the status of the Guild as the host of the tavern at the AEthelmearc party at Pennsic, and for researching laws and regulations in the three states with regard to the status of home brewing and brewing activities from a legal standpoint.
April 8, 2017 Ice Dragon:The charter for the AEthelmearc Guild of Brewers, Vintners, and Meadhers is signed. The Guild is charged with the promotion, study, and production of fermented beverages throughout the kingdom.
January 21, 2017 BMDL 12th Night: Master Tofi did a class in tasting, adding various components surreptitiously to multiple bottles of the same brew, and going through tasting techniques for picking out the differences. Both Tofi and THL Madoc provided libations for the Tasters' Tavern.
November 12, 2016 AEcademy: Master Gille taught a class in basic brewing practices. THL Madoc taught a class in how to document period brewing. Lady Elska moderated a Brewers Round Table attended by 11 gentles. THL Madoc was inducted into the Order of the Fleurs d'AEthelmearc for brewing and vintning.
October 22, 2016 Bacon and Brewing Bash III: The 2nd Region 2 brewing competition had 9 entries from 5 brewers. The overall winner of the competition was Lady Rhiannon filia Catell of the Barony of the Cleftlands with a score of 104/120 for a cinnamon melomel that one judge was heard to proclaim 'tasted like Christmas.' The winner of the Region 2 Championship was Baron Rauthbjorn Lothbroke with a score of 96/120 for an aged pyment that had an extraordinarily rich flavor.
Pennsic War, 2016 The Guild fulfills their traditional role of providing the beverages for the AEthelmearc party, with six brewers providing roughly 45 gallons of alcoholic beverage and 10 gallons of non-alcoholic beverage.
June 1, 2016 AEcademy: THL Madoc offered classes in Documenting Homebrew, and Medieval Malting.
April 30, 2016 Queen's Prize and A&S Faire: Lady Elska presented her much acclaimed beehive mead.
April 23, 2016 Blackstone Raid: Region 1 holds its first Regional Brewing Championship.
April 16, 2016 Siege of Harlech: A "brewing only" competition and round table hosted by Master Tofi Kerthjalfadsson. Ten total entries came from THL Madoc Arundel, THL Jorundr hinn Rotinn, Good Gentle John, one other good gentle (forgive me - the name escapes me), and His Excellency Baron Fergus of Hanna from Atlantia.
April 9, 2016 Coronation: The Guild made a presentation to TRMs while sitting in state. TRMs expressed an interest in their son learning about ginger beer. An impromptu round table involved discussion about documentation of brewing, judging brewing, and the upcoming vacancy in the Region 1 guild representative office.
April 2, 2016 Ice Dragon: Lady Elska and THL Madoc both took blue ribbons - Elska for a beehive mead and Madoc for a sage beer. Lady Elska went on the win the Pentathlon Novice division.
January 23, 2016 Region 2 hosted a tasters tavern on conjunction with the BMDL brewing championship. Four brewers showcased 11 different beverages. Judging was by populace choice. Around 45 people voted. The BMDL brewing champion is Bovi, who presented a clove metheglin.
January 9, 2016 The Guild hosted a round table and sampling at 12th Night. Four topics presented for discussion were the future focus of the Guild, the construction of a new charter, the creation of an educational track within AEcademy, and a means of identifying expertise of various Guild members for the edification of novice members.
October 31, 2015 Kingdom A&S: THL Madoc Arundel entered a heather ale.
June 13, 2015 Lady Caolifhion of the who received a Sycamore for brewing, specifically ciders and meads.
April 11, 2015 Lord Hundthor the Pintsman received an Award of Arms for brewing, specifically beers and ales.
March 21, 2015 THL Madoc Arundel wins the Ice Dragon Pentathlon, largely on the strength of his brewing entries.
January 17, 2015 Baron Rauthbjorn Lothbroke, Lord Geirolnir the Huntmaster, and Lord Thorfinn Fra Ell’s Fjorde all received a Sycamore for the brewing sciences, and Lady Diana of Waterford received her Award of Arms for vintning.
July 24-August 9, 2015 The IKBG meet-n-greet as well as the IKBG competition both took place on middle Sunday, hosted by our own Lord Wolfgang Starcke. THL Madoc Arundel taught classes in pre-16th c. gruit and on brewing sugars. Members of the Horse Piss Tavern had open bar pretty much every night of the war. The AEthelmearc party featured brews from numerous contributors throughout the kingdom.
August 7, 2015 The Guild sponsors both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic bars at the AEthelmearc party at Pennsic.
April 25, 2015 Region 1 hits the mark with a brewing competition in 3 parts - including Regional Champion, Lady Adrienne MacLeod.
April 18, 2015 Region 2 shines at Bacon & Brewing Bash, with 8 brewers entering 10 beverages in a round-table competition. THL Madoc Arundel wins the Region 2 Championship.
March 21, 2015 Guild members do well at Ice Dragon:
  • Beer/Ale Individual: Madoc Arundel for English Brown Ale
  • Wine/Mead Novice: Susan Verberg for Cyser
  • Wine/Mead Individual: Madoc Arundel for Mosel-style Riesling
  • Cordial Individual: Caleb Reynolds for Cinnamon Water
  • Non-alcoholic Individual: Caleb Reynolds for period Lemonade
January 17, 2015 The Guild sponsors the members of the Borderwatch Brewers Consortium in a Tasters Tavern and a "populace choice" competition at BMDL 12th Night.
January 10, 2015 The Guild hosts a roundtable and competition at Kingdom 12th Night, as well as cohosts a Tasters Tavern with ACG (the hosting shire.)
August 4, 2014 The Guild runs the bar at the AEthelmearc party at Pennsic, with more than 45 gallons of beer and mead.
May 18, 2014 The Guild establishes a presence on Facebook.
March, 2014 Lord Wolfgang Starcke becomes the Guildhead.
February, 2014 THL Madoc becomes the Guild Webminister.
November 2012 Sir Aengus MacBain becomes the new head of the Guild.
August 2012 The "Iron Brewer": Cherry Challenge is sampled during the Knowne World Brewer's Meet & Greet at Pennsic War XLI.
September 1, 2009 The Kingdom of AEthelmearc Brewer's Guild forms a Youth Chapter.
August 3, 2009 The Kingdom of AEthelmearc Brewer's Guild provides about 50 gallons of beverages for the Kingdom-hosted party at Pennsic War XXXVIII.
August 3, 2009 The "Iron Brewer": Pepper Challenge is sampled during the Knowne World Brewer's Meet & Greet at Pennsic War XXXVIII.
January 9, 2009 The guild now has an officially registered badge! Wear it with pride: (Fieldless) On a barrel palewise proper, an escarbuncle argent.
August 4, 2008 The Kingdom of AEthelmearc Brewer's Guild provides about 50 gallons of beverages for the Kingdom-hosted party at Pennsic War XXXVII.
August 3, 2008 The "Iron Brewer": Sage Challenge is sampled during the Knowne World Brewer's Meet & Greet at Pennsic War XXXVII.
August 6, 2007 The Kingdom of AEthelmearc Brewer's Guild provides about 50 gallons of beverages for the Kingdom-hosted party at Pennsic War XXXVI.
August 5, 2007 The "Iron Brewer": Cinnamon Challenge is sampled during the Knowne World Brewer's Meet & Greet at Pennsic War XXXVI.
June 30, 2007 The "Iron Brewer": Lime Challenge is sampled at Pax Interruptus, in the Barony of Thescorre.
March 24, 2007 The new Brewer's Guild website is launched.
August 14, 2006 Master Gille MacDhnouill transfers stewardship of the Kingdom of AEthelmearc Brewer's Guild to Brandubh O'Donnghaile and Iain Ard mac an Bhaird at court held during the Kingdom-hosted party at the Pennsic war.
August 14, 2006 The Kingdom of AEthelmearc Brewer's Guild provides almost 100 gallons of beverages for the Kingdom-hosted party at Pennsic War XXXV.
December 22, 2005 The AEbrewers mailing list is formed, with over 50 brewers coming together within the first week!


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This page last updated 13 February 2023 by Madoc Arundel