PINTS FROM THE PAST: A History of Beer, Ale, and Brewing in the 18th and 19th Centuries (Talk and Tasting)

Did you know Martha’s Vineyard was one of the first places in the New World where malt was planted for the purpose of brewing beer back in the 17^th century? On April 28^th, the MV Museum will be bringing Christopher Bowen, beer historian and master brewer of Colonial and Victorian era beer, to the Island to share his knowledge and samples for beer fans to enjoy.

In Pints from the Past, guests will learn about the history and process of brewing historic beer. Bowen will have samples of classic beer recipes for the public to taste. He will explain how what people drink and how beer is made has changed over time from old England to New England, and describe the real reasons the Mayflower and other ships carried beer and ale on the journey to the New World. Bowen will discuss the influence of the Industrial Revolution on brewing tastes and technologies and highlight some of the local New England breweries and their histories.

Christopher Bowen is a two-time national medal-winning brewer at the Great American Beer Festival, the largest and most prestigious beer festival in the United States. A beer historian and professional brewing re-enactor, Bowen also competes on the international level of brewing competitions, and has recorded nearly fifty awards for his brewing craft including the 2012 Gold Medal for British Style Old Ale at the World Beer Championship. In 2010, Bowen drove a motorcycle to the Canadian arctic while pulling a portable brewery nearly 4,000 miles to make a film about a 158-year-old beer. The project is now being turned into a film entitled Arctic Alchemy. Bowen is the founder of Hammersmith Ales in Bethlehem, PA.

Pints from the Past will take place on Sunday, April 28^th beginning at 1pm at Dreamland, 9 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs. Admission is $15 for Museum members, and $20 for non-members. Reservations are required and are now being accepted. Space is limited. Call 508-627-4441 x110 to reserve. This is a 21+ event.