Brewfest Drinks

Brewfest Drinks

From hearty brews to herbal healing teas, there is something for all ages to hoist in their mugs! The dwarves’ brews are known throughout the land and the elves’ magic-infused tea can be enchanting and the source of merriment and fun. Thanks to the likes of Horst, Oromis, and more, we’ve compiled a guide, including stories, to some of Brewfest’s most renowned drinks!

The Humans’ and Dwarves’ Clever Concoctions and Hearty Ales

Palancar Pirate Pale Ale – One of the barrels of brew that was saved by Morn in the exodus from Carvahall, the Palancar Pirate has now become a favorite in the Varden.  Needing a drink that would last the long voyage to Surda, Morn chose his best pale ale, which was loaded up with hops and malt, creating a natural preservative that would help the beer last longer.  This mixture of ingredients also give the Pale Ale a bright, flowery aroma and very bitter taste.  It is named after the citizens of Carvahall pirating the ship they used to get to Surda.

Horst’s Sweet Apple Cider – Every year, Horst’s sons, Albriech and Baldor, would pick the small, rusty-red apples from a small orchard on the outskirts of town. They then pressed them to make juice, which they gave to their mother, Elain, who boiled it with spices and herbs to make the family’s traditional autumn beverage. The villagers of Carvahall looked forward to drinking her excellent cider, which she shared with all, at their annual Brewfest. (Thanks to Talita Paolini for the story and drink!)

Black Cleaver Ale – When Eragon and Brom stopped in Dras-Leona and had a few drinks at the Golden Globe, they might have had some of the Black Cleaver.  A dark, almost pitch black ale, this heavy bodied beverage has a rich fruity flavor accented with fresh grain.  Though the taste is excellent, the effects may linger, as both Brom and Eragon found out the morning after a few tankards of the Black Cleaver.  It is believed that the original recipe for Black Cleaver Ale was developed by the Priests of Helgrind, who favored the head splitting headaches it induces.

Dûrmgrimst Ingeitum Double Imperial Stout – a rich, hearty beer the color of the deepest caverns of Farthen Dûr, this stout is made for the stout-hearted.  With a strong scent of roasted earth and dried fruit, one must have a strong constitution to keep up with any dwarf drinking the stuff.  Legend has it that the dwarves regularly infuse the Double Imperial with coal dust taken straight from the clan smithy, to aid in beard growth.

The Elves’ Enchanting Teas and Jeod’s Reserve

Frostbitten Faelnirv – A special twist on the traditional elven drink Faelnirv, the Frostbitten variety offers a unique taste and added energy for the drinker of the beverage.  During a limited time of the year, the Elves harvest elderberries when they’ve been subjected to an enchanted frost.  The frost raises the sugar content of the berries, allowing for a sweeter, smoother taste unlike any other.  Mixed with the traditional moonbeam recipe, Frostbitten Faelnirv is a rare treat for those lucky to have it.  Since several unique circumstances are required for the enchanted frosting to occur, Frostbitten Faelnirv is only available in extremely limited quantities.

Golden Dragon Nettle Honeytea – A favorite of Oromis, this sweet nettle tea is a wonderful Brewfest choice for a hot soothing drink.  Rich and golden as Glaedr flying low over an autumn harvest, not only is this tea smooth and delicious, it also serves as a remedy for various medical maladies and is excellent for reducing muscle soreness after a tough battle.  Only the best summer honey is used to keep this tea thick and sweet well into the winter.  Fresh peppermint leaf can be muddled into a cup of Golden Dragon to add a pop of coolness.

Hadarac Spice Tea – Hadarac Spice is a combination of dark tea leaf, herbs and various spices brewed together into a lively, aromatic drink.  The tea mixture is brewed and then combined with a bit of milk and honey to give it a rich, creamy texture.  With a complex, vibrant palette, Hadarac Spice smells as good as it tastes.  Cinnamon can be added to enhance the experience.

Jeod’s Private Reserve Black Tea – As a merchant in Teirm, Jeod was able to find all sorts of rare and unique items.  One such item was a large barrel of smoke cured black tea leaves from the far east of Alagaësia.  Dubbing it Private Reserve, this dark mahogany colored tea became a favorite of Jeod and friends, and is only drank at Brewfest in small quantities due to its scarceness.  With a unique but pleasant, smoky flavor, this tea may remind some of a peated, whiskey taste (without the whiskey!).  Those who’ve been lucky to try it note its energizing properties, allowing tea drinkers to revel deep into those windy Brewfest nights.