I don't know how factual it is, but it seems to be a theory that works. The grassy mounds known as a fulacht fiadh might have been used to brew ale.
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/ ... 12/ps_ale/
Early Irish Breweries
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Use this forum to discuss topics of history or craft as related to our hobby.
As this is a PUBLIC forum, be discrete! Private matters should be discussed in the TdB Member forums!
Any post which is deemed too sensitive for public consumption may be moved to the Private Discussions forum by Moderators.
bronze age ale
Here's the most relevant bits to us:
Quinn and Moore got a crash course in ancient techniques by visiting breweries in Spain, Belgium, and Canada. Then they repurposed a cattle trough, filling it with water and placing it in a clay-lined hole. Using granite stones toasted in a nearby fire, the pair heated the water until it was steaming but not bubbling — according to the brewers they consulted, 153 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for breaking down starch into sugar. Then they scooped in barley. After bringing the concoction to a boil, they transferred it to containers, added bog myrtle, meadow sweet, and, of course, yeast — all ingredients available to Bronze Age boozers. Three days later, the slightly fizzy copper-colored ale was ready for consumption.
Can I get some bog myrtle and meadow sweet at Stop and Shop?
Quinn and Moore got a crash course in ancient techniques by visiting breweries in Spain, Belgium, and Canada. Then they repurposed a cattle trough, filling it with water and placing it in a clay-lined hole. Using granite stones toasted in a nearby fire, the pair heated the water until it was steaming but not bubbling — according to the brewers they consulted, 153 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for breaking down starch into sugar. Then they scooped in barley. After bringing the concoction to a boil, they transferred it to containers, added bog myrtle, meadow sweet, and, of course, yeast — all ingredients available to Bronze Age boozers. Three days later, the slightly fizzy copper-colored ale was ready for consumption.
Can I get some bog myrtle and meadow sweet at Stop and Shop?
Re: Early Irish Breweries
Here's a link to the group that did this experiment: Moore Group. They have pictures too. This was posted to Norseland's Yahoo group awhile back.