Toasting the Bard with a Brew

 Ale was a critical part of Elizabethan society, probably because it was safer to drink than the water. Indeed many of Shakespeare's plays reference the liquid, both in its healthful and less-than-salubrious uses and effects. The Bard's own father was the official Ale-Taster of Stratford-upon-Avon, and so revered was Will's writing about the liquid that the very first brewpub in New Zealand was named "The Shakespeare."

Who would disagree, for example, with "For a quart of ale is a dish for a king" (A Winter's Tale)? And who among us hasn't ever thought "I would give all my fame for a pot of ale and safety" (King Henry V)?

Well, you can feel like a king without having to sacrifice whatever fame you have this coming Saturday at Uno's on Rt. 1 in Metuchen, where Mike Sella has been churning out good beer like Shakespeare cranked out good sonnets.

Mike "Shakespeare" Sella That's because Sella is hosting a Cask Beer Fest on The Bard's birthday starting at noon and running until the kegs kick. And some darned good brewers will be sending beers for your enjoyment.

On hand will be offerings from Demented, Cypress, Climax, Little Dog and Kane. The Bard of the Brewhouse does not yet know which of the beers those breweries will be sending, but should know by Thursday of this week, and The PubScout will update you as soon as he knows. Of course, Mike's usual offerings will also be available; his Scotch Ale is more "killer" than Macbeth and the witches may have used brewing magic to make his IPA.

Emily

Speaking of beauty, while you're there, look for the smiling face of Emily, involved in theater herself for much of her young life, including playwriting. If you tell her The PubScout sent you, she may rattle off a line from Shakespeare. Hopefully, it won't be "Out, out, damned spot!"

It might be more in line with what we'd say to Mike and the participating brewers, and what appears on the bottle of Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome.

See you Saturday!

Cheers!

The PubScout