News

Drinking in a little beer history in Marblehead

By Alan Burke
Staff writer
Published: July 15, 2009

MARBLEHEAD — You've all heard how the early settlers came here seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity.

And then some, apparently, were only here for the beer.

Beer was big in the days of tri-cornered hats, said Pam Peterson of the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society. For one thing, when you couldn't trust the drinking water, beer offered a healthy and safe alternative.

Locals no doubt brewed it for their families. Beer went to sea with Marblehead mariners who couldn't trust their water to stay fresh in wooden casks.

All of which makes tomorrow's beer tasting at the museum's Lee Mansion historically valid and a good deal for beer connoisseurs. In fact, the event, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and costs $20, will be overseen by Kevin Mahoney of Shubie's, who is also a wine expert.

The sudsy smorgasbord will be Mahoney's first public tasting, and he will include brief lectures regarding the various beers. "A little history," he says.

Importantly, those listening will be able to remain clearheaded about all this as the beer is distributed in 3-ounce increments. It will amount to a couple of glasses of beer, Mahoney said.

European beers, including pilsners, the grandfather of America's clear beers, will be on the menu. English beers will give a hint of what Jeremiah Lee and his pals might have drained on a Saturday night. But not much of a hint, Mahoney said. Those Colonial beers lacked the hops that give today's beers their bitter taste.

The real Sam Adams produced a sweeter product enlivened with herbs.

Since even Colonial man did not live by beer alone, snacks are also on offer, mainly chips, pretzels and peanuts. Not all of these are historically accurate either, Peterson said.

"Jeremiah Lee might have had peanuts," she said.

Profits from the mansion's beer garden, which will be held in a tent adjacent to the mansion, go toward the Historical Society's expenses.