Why Cock Ale Is the Most Intriguing Beer You’ve Never Tried

You won't believe what British royalty sipped on! Cock ale blends surprising ingredients and fascinating history. Discover its untold story!

The Bizarre Popularity of Cock Ale

Imagine a chicken beer—no, seriously, that is what it was! Cock ale was a form of 17th-century beer that combined ale with the cooked carcass of a rooster, spices, and dried fruit. It was a favorite beverage among British royalty and was generally described as having healthy qualities and also as an aphrodisiac. I came across this bizarre beverage while reading antique recipes and was intrigued. Why had this strange beverage captured the favor (and palates) of the upper class? And why has it been forgotten?

As I looked deeper into the origins of cock ale, I found that it began with the play “The Duchess of Suffolk” in 1624. It mentions two tilers whose work is interrupted to take a drink at the local tavern, saying a lot about how integral to social life this drink once was. It was more than a drink; it was a mark of friendship and living life to the fullest.

The Recipe That Shocked Me

The very first actual recipe for concrete was in Kenelm Digby’s cookbook in 1669. He provided a method of making it in detail by boiling a rooster and mixing spices such as nutmeg and mace into it. Can you imagine that aroma in your kitchen? When I was considering making my own, I knew how much effort it would take, but it also seemed interesting.

• Ingredients: Eight gallons of ale, one boiled rooster, four pounds of raisins, spice, and sack (a fortified wine).
• Process: Boil the rooster first, then mix all ingredients together for a week before bottling.
  This process seems almost ritualistic—a flashback to brewing methods unknown to us centuries ago when convenience is our only concern.

Royal Approval: A Drink Fit for Kings

Cock ale wasn’t merely an oddity; it had royal endorsement! King William III reportedly favored it over wine. This fact alone made me reconsider my own beer preferences. What if we’re missing out on delightful flavors simply because they sound unusual? It’s fascinating how cock ale embodied more than taste; it represented status, health benefits, and even allure.

John Nott’s 1723 cookbook boasted it could cure illness—picture having a beer in your hand and believing it is healthy!

From Fame to Obscurity: The Decline of Cock Ale

But later in the 18th century, cock ale fell out of favor with the introduction of cocktails—a name perhaps encouraged by its nickname. As I read further about this decline, I couldn’t help but miss this old drink. Could today’s brewing trends bring back such an intriguing drink?

Factors leading to decline: 

• Changing tastes towards lighter drinks.
• Emergence of cocktails as a fashionable drink.

Lasting Legacy: Even in its demise, cock ale remains a topic of historical debate among brewers looking to try new things.

Reviving History: A Modern Twist?

With the contemporary craft beer scene having wild experiments such as pastry stouts or beers with exotic flavors, one cannot help but ask—can cock ale be revived? Homebrewers have attempted recipes online but nothing has hit commercial shelves yet.
Looking back on my experience with the history of this beer, I am optimistic. Can we return to strange beers like this one in our craft beer renaissance? I would love to attempt to brew it myself someday!

FAQ about Cock Ale

What is cock ale?

Cock ale is a traditional British beer brewed with rooster meat and a variety of spices and fruits.

Why did people drink cock ale?

It was believed to possess medicinal properties and was preferred by kings and queens due to its distinctive flavor.