Sorcha Talks Victorian Beer

Love Redeemed Blog Tour: Victorians and BeerSince I’m here at Brewing Passions I thought I should be talking about beer. I am a big fan of beer. I like light beer and dark beer and red beer and—well you get the point. I like beer. Some of my favorites are: Blue Moon, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Smithwicks. My new release Love Redeemed is set in the Victorian era, and though I don’t show my characters drinking beer, I wanted to talk about Victorian era beer. Britons have been making beer for hundreds of years by the time the Victorian era rolled around. Legally SpeakingSome of the first legislation regarding the making of beer prohibited the use of other cereals in brewing while taxing malt as early as 1660. Then just before the start of the Victorian Era in 1816 a British law forbade the use of any ingredients other than malt and hops. In response to this law, Daniel Wheeler invented the drum roaster which allowed for the creation of very dark, roasted malts, contributing to the flavor of porters and stouts. The British made various changes on how beer and ale was taxed generally switching between taxing the ingredients and taxing the final product. By 1880 the government settled on taxing beer based on the original gravity of the wort. The Free Mash Tun Act resulted in a tax due at the end of the month.As soon as the wort had run into the fermenting tun, it was checked by an Excise Officer to determine its volume and gravity. This was the basis on which beer duty was calculated. An allowance of 6% was made by the Excise for losses during fermentation. At the end of each month a calculation was made to convert the total amount of beer brewed into its equivalent in standard barrels. (Source: "Principles & Practice of Brewing" by Walter J. Sykes & Arthur R. Ling, 1907, pages 528-529.)Free Mash Tun Act, Shut Up About Barclay PerkinsThe focus on the sugar content of the wort prior to fermentation occurred after a bad barley harvest. The poor harvest came with insistence by colonial sugar growers that sugar cane should be allowed in beer. Technologically SpeakingIn 1857 Louis Pasteur gave brewers methods to prevent the souring of beer with the understanding of yeast's role in the fermentation process. Beer was brewed at home or in the alehouse where it was sold, and they had a difficult time brewing it when it was very cold or very warm. So often times beer was brewed and stored, and when it was sold it was labeled with the month it was brewed as a measure of the quality of the product. This practice was seen as late as the 1860’s. This is when chemistry began to play a role in brewing and technology began to shift the craft of brewing into an industry, which was complete by the 1880s. Brewers tested their water for minerals, looking for different concentrations of minerals to brew a specific type of beer, and steam powered equipment made it possible to brew year round. “The predominant beers of the day were dark quite sweet and malty—and often served at different alcoholic strength—strong ale, medium ale and weak ale made from different exracts [sic] of the same brew.”History of Beer, The Beer AcademySo, do you have a beer preference? Ale? Lager? Porter? Stout? Maybe a favorite brand? Are you not a beer drinker? What do you prefer to drink instead?
Resources:A Brief History of Beer, The Beer AcademyHistory of Beer, WikipediaThe Bitter Truth About Victorian Beer, More Intelligent Life.com from The EconomistFree Mash Tun Act, Shut Up About Barclay Perkins

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Love Redeemed Blog Tour & Giveaway:At each stop of the blog tour I will give away a copy of Love Revealed (Book 1) of the series. At the end of the 11 day tour a grand prize of a $25 All Romance eBook (ARe) store gift card and one copy of my back list will be given away to one lucky winner.Rules (Cause you know there have to be rules!)
1. Winners of the individual blog stops will not be eligible to win the grand prize
2. One comment per stop will be eligible for the drawings (so be sure to answer my questions!)
3. The contest is open internationally
4. Commenters must include an email so they can be contacted
5. Any prize not claimed within 48hrs will be subject to forfeiture and a new winner drawn
Love Redeemed (Book 2, The Market Series)Brennan Whitling wants for nothing but the love of a good woman. He has a close family, good friends, and a successful textiles import business. But, a beautiful and elusive young woman he has only seen from afar haunts him. Until a chance meeting leads to far more than dinner.Serena Freemont has only ever known the life of a prostitute. When an invitation to dinner by a handsome gentleman provides her an opportunity to experience life as a young lady, it’s too tempting to pass up. Much like the man issuing it. After a night of passion she must disappear or face his reaction when the truth is revealed.To find happiness Serena must shed her past long enough to realize she is worthy of a future. To win her heart, Brennan must show her the redemptive power of love.
Excerpt:“Are you all right, Miss?”For a moment, for this moment, she was a normal young woman experiencing the attentions of a handsome young man. Heat crept up her cheeks as he held her hatbox out, and the burning had nothing to do with the sun. “I-I— Yes, I am. Thank you.” His blue-gray eyes seemed to bore into her. “I am so glad. I was sure you were a goner there for a moment.” He flashed a brilliant grin liquefying Serena’s insides instantly. “Please let me introduce myself. I’m Mr. Brennan Whitling of Whitling Textiles Importers and Wholesalers.” “How do you do, Mr. Whitling?” Serena allowed her lips to curve up ever so slightly. “I am Miss Serena Freemont.”“It is a pleasure. Might I interest you and your”—he glanced around the bustling street as his grin faded in confusion— “chaperone in a cup of tea?”A wave of horror swept over Serena. Chaperone? Harlots did not require one of those. “Oh, Aunt Henrietta is in the bookstore, and I fear she will be in there a very long time. I am certain she won’t notice if we slip off for a quick spot of tea.” “Excellent! There is a lovely little shop just up the street.” A beautiful smile spread across his face, causing her pulse to quicken. He escorted her up the block where they stopped at a quaint little teashop. They settled in at a table and ordered a pot of tea. “What has you on Bond Street today, Mr. Whitling?” They sat in semi privacy at the back of the shop.“Oh, I was visiting some of my customers and taking new orders. I am very glad I was there to help you, and by virtue of said assistance make youracquaintance.” Did his already deep voice grow huskier? Their tea service arrived, dispelling the moment. “As am I. Landing on my backside in the middle of the street would have been rather embarrassing. But in truth, thank you for your assistance today, and now the tea.” She lifted her freshly prepared cup to her lips and took a dainty sip from the delicate china. Through lowered lashes, she watched his graceful movements as he prepared his own. “It is my pleasure on both accounts. You seem familiar to me. Have we met somewhere before? A ball perhaps?”
BioSorcha Mowbray is a mild mannered office worker by day…okay, so she is actually a mouthy, opinionated, take charge kind of gal who bosses everyone around; but she definitely works in an office. At night she writes romance so hot she sets the sheets on fire! Just ask her slightly singed husband.She is a long time lover of historical romance, having grown up reading Johanna Lindsey and Judith McNaught. Then she discovered Thea Devine and Susan Johnson. Holy cow! Heroes and heroines could do THAT? From there, things devolved into trying her hand at writing a little smexy. Needless to say, she liked it and she hopes you do too!