There seems to be a lot of distention about just *how* the ancient Scandinavian and Germanic peoples brewed their mead, which is understandable being as sagas and legends are about the only records from those times. But, what I'm looking for is insight into what sort of equipment they used for brewing their mead. I figure there has to be some information on it somewhere, if only through analysis of containers' original contents and/or functions.
I often get called crazy for trying to do things the hard or old way, but I would very much like to make a batch of "Viking Mead" in a manner that would be [mostly ] true to ancient methods. Granted, I'm not going to be able to come by replicas of Viking-age crockery (if they even used crocks for some part of the process...), but I could probably manage to locate something that can emulate the process. Unless, of course, they brewed in giant vats, which I think I might have read somewhere. But: I'm willing to try it! (Maybe... might have to convince the wife of that one...).
Any insight into their equipment and methods, or even sources where I could find it, would be most appreciated. Thanks, and good drinking!
-Steve
I often get called crazy for trying to do things the hard or old way, but I would very much like to make a batch of "Viking Mead" in a manner that would be [mostly ] true to ancient methods. Granted, I'm not going to be able to come by replicas of Viking-age crockery (if they even used crocks for some part of the process...), but I could probably manage to locate something that can emulate the process. Unless, of course, they brewed in giant vats, which I think I might have read somewhere. But: I'm willing to try it! (Maybe... might have to convince the wife of that one...).
Any insight into their equipment and methods, or even sources where I could find it, would be most appreciated. Thanks, and good drinking!
-Steve