1760 General Amherst's Spruce Beer

Date: 1760

"General Amherst's Spruce Beer" is a historical document related to the American Revolutionary War. The document is a recipe for a type of beer that was brewed by British General Jeffrey Amherst during the French and Indian War, which took place from 1754 to 1763.

During the war, Amherst's troops suffered from scurvy, a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet. Amherst turned to local Indigenous peoples for help, and they provided him with a recipe for a medicinal spruce beer that was rich in vitamin C.

The recipe for Amherst's spruce beer was later included in a letter written by a soldier under Amherst's command, which was sent to a friend in England in 1760. The letter was published in a London newspaper and quickly became popular, with many people seeking to brew their own version of the beer.

The recipe for Amherst's spruce beer is notable for its use of spruce tips, which give the beer a distinct piney flavor. The recipe also includes ingredients such as molasses and cream of tartar, which were believed to have medicinal properties.

Overall, "General Amherst's Spruce Beer" is an interesting historical document that provides insight into the dietary and medicinal practices of 18th-century military forces. The recipe for Amherst's spruce beer also remains popular among beer enthusiasts today, with many breweries producing their own versions of the historic beverage.