True Brew

 

“Brewed with Belgian yeast, pumpkin purée, spices, and locally grown gourds, the Witch of Pungo has an intriguing mouthfeel derived from honey malt and caramel wheat. This pumpkin ale was inspired by the story of Grace Sherwood, better known as the Witch of Pungo, who was the last person convicted of witchcraft in Virginia.”  —Back Bay Brewing Co.

Sherwood, a 46-year-old midwife and herbal healer, was accused of witchcraft by neighbors with whom she had troubles. After telltale witch’s marks were found on her body (as they always were in such cases), she was given the “ducking” test, which she failed—luckily. She spent several years in jail. Sherwood later recovered her property, which had been confiscated, and resumed farming. She died in 1740, aged 80.

In 2006, Sherwood was exonerated by Governor Tim Kaine, and in 2007 a statue to her memory was erected in Virginia Beach.


Read more about The Witch of Pungo. View a not-altogether-reverent pumpkin ale promotional clip on Facebook.

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