Hmmm. Nord ale?

[linda6943]

Now I can see the various meads, but ale? In a snowy climate? I don't believe our own ancient Viking forebears brewed ale, which has traditionally been brewed in areas too warm for the long lagering of lager beer. Maybe it was just too cold for lager? Even ethyl alcohol will freeze at a sufficiently low temperature. It wasn't that beer wasn't around: the ancient Egyptians brewed some sort of "beer" from stale bread and water. But then Tamriel is notably a magic land, so maybe the gods had a hand in the production of Nord "ale."

Oh, and happy Oktoberfest, everyone! (Oktoberfest actually starts in September, when March's marzen is ready for consumption, having been lagered for six months.)

[linda6943]

Forgot to mention the main reason ale wasn't much brewed in very cold climates:
Ale yeast floats on top of the wort (the malt-and-water combo,) while lager yeast sinks to the bottom. If it gets too cold, the wort freezes without fermenting properly. The long lagering (essentially a rest period) allows the yeast to do its job, while it very slowly sinks to the bottom.

[Rush Knight]

http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/daily_living/text/food_and_diet.htm - see paragraphs 36 and 37.