Cock Ale Recipe

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How To Make Cock Ale.

While reading through old recipe books from over 100 years I found an article for something called Cock Ale. Me being the curious person I am was intrigued by this because ale is not very high in alcohol content. I now seriously wonder about what else brewers added to their process.

This also reminds me of a quote from a book I have read.

“Garlic mead is not a drink one takes without deep regret and consideration of the choices which brought on to the moment of drinking.”

This quote stuck with me.

I wish I could Try It

I have not tried this ale as I am allergic to gluten (celiac). Also I am not sure where I can get a fresh cock. For me this incredibly interesting as I had not seen a beer made with meat and bones before.

I found it intereting so, I recorded the passage in one of my recipe books. I wish to share it with you hoping you too find odd things interesting. Here is the passage.

To Make Cock Ale: –

Take ten gallons of ale, and a large cock, the older the better, parboil the cock, flea him, and stamp him in a stone mortar till his bones are broken, (you must craw and gut him when you flea him).

Put the cock in two quarts of sack, and put to it three pounds of raisins of the sun stoned, some blades of mace, and a few gloves.

Place all these in a canvas bag, and a little before you find the ale has done working, put the ale and bag together into a vessel; in a week or nine days’ time bottle it up, fill the bottles but just about the necks, and leave the same time to ripen as other ale.

Is Cock Ale Safe?

Cock ale, considered a medicinal drink to improve on health and improve your humors. Some people also thought aiding in digestion was a major factor for dinking. Back in the day, it had been used as a restorative tonic. Also was used as an aphrodisiac. One king is said to have preferred cock ale over wine.

From researching this mystical brew, I have found out that it in fact does not taste like chicken. It also has a nice foam head. There are a few people on reddit who have brewed this beer on reddit using this exact recipe. One of the reddit users really didn’t like it and will never make it again. Although there are others who love it. Everyone has different tastes.   

It is Not the Only One

Even though I find this ale unusual it isn’t the only alcoholic drink that involves meat or an animal.

Snake wine is another alcoholic beverage with an animal in it. People used to drink it thinking it was an aphrodisiac. They also believed it was a cure-all. I have also seen the mythical tequila worm/grub though I cannot say I have tried to eat it.

New foods, flavors and beverages are something I enjoy trying at least once. Can’t say you don’t like something if you never tried it. You never know what your new favorite flavor or texture could be.

Not sure what to make for dinner? Check out this post with dinner ideas and recipes.