Results: HISTORY OF BEER IN VIKING AGE SCANDINAVIA

The Vikings did love their ale! By the 8th century, Vikings were likely drinking an abundance of brewskis. In the Hávamál and other Norse works of literature and poetry, beer and mead are often mentioned as being an integral part of Norse society. There is evidence that the majority of the brewing was done by women in Viking society. Women were highly respected in Norse society, so it no surprise that they were entrusted with this important task! Did you know Women were in charge of everything inside the Viking home, including cooking and brewing ale?

Beer was also a perfect beverage to bring on long seaborne journeys, as the raiding warriors (Vikings) were prone to do. Beer and ale are fermented, allowing a longer shelf life, which in turn allowed raiders to embark on longer expeditions without having to stop for fresh water. We know from archaeological evidence that Sahti was brewed in parts Finland during the Viking Age. Barrels have been found inside of sunken Viking ships that contained residues of its contents. We know that this brew contained hops, malted barley, malted rye and juniper. Were you aware that there were likely hundreds or even thousands of different beers produced across the region, as each village may have had their own fermentation and brewing process. There is also evidence that women and men sometimes drank ales of different strengths. Were you aware there were different brews for different occasions, for example, feasts called for a more potent beer than brews they drank on an everyday basis?

The Norsemen traveled and traded throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and even North America. On their travels, they discovered grains and brewing techniques never before seen in their homeland. The domestication of cereals that enabled them to brew beer was a feat of ingenuity, technology and societal structure. Several seaborne empires were established on the shores of the North Sea based on poweful navies and international trade. Have you seen any Viking relics in a Museum?

The Viking's alcohol was also used for medicinal purposes to cure their ailments like cramps and worms in the stomach. These beverages are still being made today but they are not as potent because of regulation and laws on alcohol production, by the government. We have preserved samples in barrels that were forgotten about and accidentally sunk, to be discovered many centuries later! In these ships, scientists found residues from what once used to be drinks like beer- which is now more commonly known as ale. The beverage would contain hops -a plant with fragrant flowers that are dried for use-, malted barley (hulled malt), malted rye (barley grains soaked in water until sprouted) and juniper berries- antioxidant rich plants often used around holidays because they smell festive too!. Have you enjoyed any traditional Nordic Beers or Sahti?