Nerdy beer question about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien

[seymour]

This is an almost embarrassingly nerdy question, but I know C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien (along with the other "Inklings") frequented pubs to read, discuss their writings, and down several pints. I wonder what their favorite beers were?

After some research, I've learned that during their Oxford years (≈1930-1950) they mainly gathered in the corner of The Eagle and Child, aka "Bird and Baby" pub, which at the time was a Morrells account, when the flagship beer was Varsity Ale.

Elsewhere, in a letter from Douglas Gresham who knew Lewis well, he wrote "Lewis' favorite beer was a good draft bitter preferably off the wood if well kept. Disliked bottled beer, loathed canned beer." So (at a Morrells house at least) that eliminates beers like Bass and Guinness, right?

I was wondering if anyone has any additional information on Lewis' and/or Tolkien's drinking preferences. Best of all, any historically accurate recipes?

Thanks!

[simco999]

Wow - nerd of the week award to you.

[seymour]

Wow - nerd of the week award to you.

I know, I already admitted that twice! You only get to insult me if you have new information to share

[simco999]

Wow - nerd of the week award to you.

I know, I already admitted that twice! You only get to insult me if you have new information to share

No insult intended.

[Cully]

It's questions like this that make Jims a great place to visit. As a lifelong Tolkien and Lewis fan, I'd be interested to know this too.

[simco999]

It's questions like this that make Jims a great place to visit. As a lifelong Tolkien and Lewis fan, I'd be interested to know this too.

Ditto.

[jimp2003]

If you can find out what Morrells were brewing at the time there is a list of their beers HERE with an estimate of the recipe...

Morrells were sold to Marstons in the 1990s..

[TC2642]

I'd be more interested in what people could come up with for a recipe for a beer that would be drunk by hobbits!

[Cully]

Small Beer?

[Eadweard]

I'm pretty sure Sharp's use Morrells yeast.

[TC2642]

Small Beer?

[Rookie]

This is an almost embarrassingly nerdy question, but I know C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien (along with the other "Inklings") frequented pubs to read, discuss their writings, and down several pints. I wonder what their favorite beers were?

Nothing wrong with a question like that. If you pin it down for sure let us know.
Anyone out there know what the last card in Wild Bill's hand was when he was killed?

[seymour]

Anyone out there know what the last card in Wild Bill's hand was when he was killed?

Dead Man's Hand, of course: aces and eights, all black. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_man%27s_hand
Great scene in the HBO show Deadwood.

[Rookie]

Anyone out there know what the last card in Wild Bill's hand was when he was killed?

Dead Man's Hand, of course: aces and eights, all black. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_man%27s_hand
Great scene in the HBO show Deadwood.

But what was the last card? There is some difference of opinion.

[seymour]

But what was the last card? There is some difference of opinion.

That's true, I don't think anyone really knows the fifth card for sure. They were playing Five Card Draw, and some say he had turned in the fifth card and was shot before receiving its replacement. Others say he had a full house, but I don't know what that's based on.