Custom Brews and Other Bride Ale Traditions

The joining of two people in holy/legal/political matrimony is a time honored tradition that dates back to the days of tribal leaders marrying off their daughters to secure land, goods, livestock or peace between tribes. In fact, it dates back almost as far as beer does. The story goes, generally, that for such events, a strong beer or mead was produced in honor of the occasion. It was believed that drinking mead would make a woman more fertile. Supposedly, that was the origin of the term honeymoon, as the bride was supposed to drink the fermented honey beverage for one month, or one moon, after the wedding for fertility and good luck.

I’m rambling here, but the point is that weddings have always been celebrations where alcohol would flow. Even the term bridal traces back to bride ale, when special beer was given as a gift to the prospective groom and his family.

Today, many grooms and brides-to-be are looking for a way to make that special day even more special, and a custom-made beer can provide something that will, at the very least, make everyone else jealous.

When there’s a homebrewer in the clan – there are at least four in mine – a special brew for the big day is almost par for the course. I had a special beer given away as a favor at my wedding, my cousin had a couple of logs his uncle made him for his big day, and let’s just say that when the rest of my younger cousins tie the knot, if they tie the knot, there shall be beer. Heck, on my wedding day, my bride and I drank from a cup of mead during the ceremony.

My family isn’t the only one with beer enthusiasts looking for a way to commemorate their union. Many people I know would love to have the sacred brew served to their friends and family and watch them stumble over the broom. (If you don’t know about that tradition, you are boring.) More to the point, which would you rather be pulling out of the fridge in a year – a slice of your wedding cake or an incredible Irish Red that celebrated your union? Homebrews can last a year in the fridge easily, even longer if it’s a secure bottle with a solid hop content and some live yeast still in it.

The only stumbling block is that many places won’t allow you to bring/serve alcohol on their grounds. Most establishments have their hands tied by the three-tier system, and many outdoor venues prohibit alcohol, especially state parks and beaches. It’s a bit of a quandary. However, if you’re lucky enough to know someone with a lot of private land, or if you can rent a house or other piece of property for a day, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying your brew there. Or, you can give away the bottles as favors, provided no one opens them on the premises if it’s not allowed. And remember, please marry responsibly.

code: bridal-2013