Once the hiccups died down, Istya turned back around and noticed a very proud-looking, quite well-dressed hobbit lass enter the Strawberrystar Brewery. Initially, she stiffened at seeing the lass only deign to sign up for the brewery tour. But then she decided this could be a good challenge for herself as this might bring about an even better tour than she had originally planned. So she brightened and let a large smile take over her face in greeting for the hobbit. "Welcome, Thea! Please, come and join us. I was just starting the tour."
She listened to Balfur's comments about some of his first memories here, and then laughed. "I actually know what you mean, Balfur! During my time away, I sometimes thought more about my own personal stash of raspberry ale back at my own hobbit hole than about the drinks we've brewed here together," she said with a blush. "If it's your outfit choices you remember best, that's where your memories are. And those are certainly some fine gloves, Balfur! I would love it if you would cope along with us here. If business starts to boom again, I will need all the help I can get in the upcoming months."
She then chose that moment to take out the parchments she had placed in her apron, and then she said to the crowd as she started putting them up on the wall, "By the way, I think this would be a great time to show you all our famous drinks list! It was lost for so long, but then a generous hobbit lad found them a few weeks ago while going through Michel Delving's archives. I did make some recent adjustments to the drinks list, but the additions of drinks comes primarily from what I remember many of our clients would request back then that was not on our menu. So the high majority of these drinks you will recognize if you were here then! I have some great memories of brewing the Christmas Ale for many of the parties around Middle Earth back then. And making our classic strawberry wine was probably one of the drinks most in high demand back then as well. Even Mordorians requested the drink for their events, though I am not sure why."
She laughed at the thought of it. Maybe orcs liked the drink because it reminded them how much they didn't like hobbits?
"As you can imagine, this used to be one very busy kitchen! That's why there are so many brewing stations."
Ales
Almond Ale
A dark, creamy ale that complements any rich meat dish. Lightly vanilla-flavored, with the vanilla coming right from the almond.
Brandywine Ale
A rich and tart ale brewed with the taste of lavender, chamomile, rosehips and elderberry. Straight from Brandywine's famous pubs.
Christmas Ale
A deep bodied, rich red ale that shall warm you up very pleasantly on winter nights, due to its rich honey and strawberry taste. Highly spiced with cinnamon. Goes well with pork, ham and turkey stuffing dishes. First brewed by Samwise Gamgee’s great-gaffer, from the hobs of the Ivy Bush.
Green Dragon Golden Ale
A rich ale bright as honey flavored by heather flowers, elderberry and some apple. One of Pippin Took's favorite drinks from the Green Dragon.
Mocha Delight
A rich, thick and smooth dark ale with tons of cocoa flavoring. Best to drink on a cold night -- or when you just need chocolate! One of the delights of the Brockenborows.
Pumpkin Ale
A rich, thick and spicy amber characterized by its mild pumpkin juice flavoring, hops, and hint of rich molasses. First brewed during the Shire’s first fully celebrated harvest season in the 2nd Age.
Raspberry Walnut Ale
A lively, rich, full-bodied amber ale, characterized by its spicy raspberry taste and thick, smooth walnut taste. Best served with ham, pork, or heavy soup dishes.
Spiced Orange Ale
A light but savory ale blend of chamomile, coriander and orange peel. Great with fall dishes, such as pumpkin pie and roasted turkey.
Strawberry Ale
A light, amber ale with a sweet strawberry taste. Great to savor with light pasta or chicken dishes. This is the Brewery's very first original recipe... as well as the ale that gave the Brewery its name!
Sunflower Ale
A favorite in the Eastfarthing due to its tribute to its local farmers' growing of sunflowers. The taste of rosemary and dried lemon peel makes the drinker think of sunflower fields and bright sunny days.
Wines
Cherry Apple Wine
A thick and heady red apple wine, accented with cherry flavoring and some cinnamon shavings. A southern Green Hill Country favorite, often requested at its pubs for wedding anniversaries and birthday celebrations.
Fallen Leaves Wine
A flavorful, crisp white wine, that will taste slightly different to you at every sip. Although this wine is primarily characterized by peach and lemon taste,hints of black raspberry and of fresh mint will also emerge from it on occasion. This drink is an adventure all its own.
Farmer Maggot’s Barley Wine
Tart and sweet malt wine, with the freshly farmed tastes of pear, orange and lemon. A hint of raisin gives this drink quite a richness!
Galadriel's Mirror
A thick, dry and creamy red wine tinged with peppermint and the light flavor of elderberries. Great with steaks and porks.
Glowing Strawberry Wine
A warmth-giving, heady amber-red wine, which is thick with honey and spicy on the tongue. The strawberry flavoring makes this drink a delightful surprise for those who enjoy the Brewery’s Strawberry Ale, as it is a different take on the recipe. Great with rich meat or heavy cheese dishes.
Icy Brandy Wine
A syrupy sweet, flavorful red dessert wine, best if accompanied with a light ice cream or pie. Tinged with brandy and honey for a medium-bodied taste.
Old Winyard Wine
A deep, full-bodied red wine enriched with the strong mixed taste of apples, cherries and strawberries. Originally a favorite of the Dunedain, hobbits took this recipe in and made it their own during the 2nd Age. The Old Winyard is now a Shire classic that may be mixed with cinnamon or bits of basil, based upon request.
Oranges and Lemons
A sweet, crisp white wine that will go perfectly with almost any salad or vegetable dish. This wine remains a favorite in much of the Southfarthing.
Orange Rose Wine
Another tribute to the tangy taste of oranges, but with a slightly salted raspberry taste to it. A hint of mint with it is highly suggested.
Strawberry Wine
Sweet and refreshing drink with strawberries, green grapes, a little bit of lemon, and a dash of honey for taste.
The Tuckborough Toast
A thick, tart amber wine, flavored by a triple blend of apricots, walnuts and pears. A recipe favorite of the Took family that likely came from the hobbits’ Wandering Days. Remains a wine favorite among the pubs of Tuckborough.
White Grape Peach Wine
A light, crisp amber wine, flavored primarily by peaches and just a wee bit of sugar. A delight any time of the year and with almost any meal. First brewed in Isengard by Radagast the Brown.
Stouts, Meads, Lemonade and Cider
Chocolate Stout
A rich and indulgent drink for chocolate lovers, due to its brewing of deep, dark melted chocolate with light barley and over-ripened hops.
Maple Mead
Tannic, medium-bodied, and flavored by oranges and the rich sap of the maple tree. This unique, flavorful honey mead will please all of the senses on cold, fall or wintry nights. This recipe comes from the inns and pubs all over Buckland.
Lavender Lemonade
A sweet and sparkling lemonade, first steeped in lavender flavoring before tinged with slight touches of lemon. Perfect to serve chilled over the spring and summer seasons.
Hot Spiced Cider
Rich with apple and nutmeg flavoring, this cider is rich and spicy. Perfect to warm up with or for a good, flavorful swish in the mouth.