Sahti

Traditional Drink of Melnea

Though the roots of Sahti are lost to time, most who study such things believe that the drink was first made prior to the calamity that shattered the ancient Drowish Melnibonean empire. Whether it was a peasant drink, or one held in high esteem by the Drowish aristocracy is unknown. However, in the millennia since the fall of the empire and rise of the independent nations of Mikdash, the Melneans have continued to brew and consume Sahti with almost religious fervor as a symbol of both their heritage, and, perhaps more importantly, their shared culture. 

Production

Brewing of Sahti may be common throughout the isles, but it is most closely associated with the isle of Skyer. This isle of rivers has numerous water sources, and most are home to at least one, if not more, breweries. Each of these, in turn, boasts that their water source, and brewing techniques and recipes, bring out the best characteristics of any true Skyer Sahti. Tuulet also produces a large volume of Sahti, due to their abundant agricultural area providing ample supply of rye. However, this is generally thought to be lesser quality than productions from Skyer, and are thus more typically used for Fire Sahti.  Sahti is typically aged for one year before consumption. It is typically brewed just prior to Reaping and then sold to market prior to Reapingthe following year.

Consumption

Sahti is traditional drunk during the fall and winter festivals of Reaping and Midwinter. Acquisition of Sahti from famed Skyer producers can be a cut-throat endeavor, with taverns across Melnea competing for the limited supply. Islands have been known to send armed convoys, even going as far as running elaborate shell games with their casks of Sahti to prevent pirates from other isles (and the taverns who sponsored them) from being able to target the specific cargo holds with the most valuable casks.

Manufacturing process

Brewed from malted rye and wild yeasts, with birch and juniper branches on the base of the mash tun to create a filtering bed and adding specific character. Local water sources provide underlying stone and earth qualities unique to each region, and potentially to each brewers. A variety of herbs are added as well, with each brewmaster altering the proportions of birch and juniper and local herbs (frequently heather, small amounts of local fruits) to create their own expression of the traditional drink

Item type

Consumable, Food / Drink

Base Price

5 silver - 1 gp per flagon depending on quality