Opinions Sought - Gruit Ale

[J_P]

My good lady friend has found an unusual recipe for Gruit ale, which is an unhopped herb ale from the 14th century. The recipe is listed here for the curious. Being a bit of a hippy she is wanting to brew up a gallon or so as per the recipe (if she brewed it in any greater quantities she'd probably be burned as a witch) She was wondering do any of you chaps have any experience of brewing Gruit ale?

Answers on a postcard please.....

[J_P]

Try using it to wash down stale bread and weevils after not washing for 6 months for added authenticity

You missed out sucking it through your rotting black teeth in your mud hut! I must admit my first reaction was to scoff "bloody hippy muck" over the top of my glass!

As long as she ruins her own grain and not mine then I'm sure we'll get on fine

[J_P]

You'll be brewing up with henbane and them Jamaican goldings next!

[J_P]

A year without beer - if there was an emoticon taking it's hat off I'd post it up here! I don't think I've done a year off beer since I was about 12.

[Wez]

Try doing it surrounded by beer being brewed for other people and having to taste it only to spit it down the sink, that'll put hairs on your chest

Saint DaaB i'm guessing that you're going to be enjoying the fruits of your labour again though

[J_P]

Just out of interest what are you planning on breaking your duck with? It'll have to be something special (and champagne doesn't count because IMHO it's crap compared to a nice pint)

[Wez]

I shall be limiting my intake to a few pints a week

Spill......what's "a few" I try to stay below 12 but if something stresses me such as it rains, or I shut the seatbelt in the car door this may have to go up.