What does brewer mean in colony times?

Answer 1

In colonial times, a "brewer" referred to a person who produced beer or ale, a vital beverage in daily life due to the lack of clean drinking water. Brewers often operated small-scale, local businesses, crafting their products for community consumption. Brewing was typically a household task, but as demand grew, dedicated brewers emerged to supply taverns and markets. Their role was essential in social gatherings and communal activities, reflecting the importance of beer in colonial culture.