Who were the Ale-tasters?

Ale-tasters were officers appointed yearly at the Court-Leet of ancient English manors for the assize of ale and ale-measures. The gustatores cervisiae -- called in different localities by their various names ‘ale-tasters,’ ‘ale-founders,’ or ‘ale-conners’ -- were sworn to examine beer and ale, to take care that they were good and wholesome, and were sold at proper prices.

Court-Leets date from the early Middle Ages and exercised powers of jurisdiction over petty offences and civil affairs, met twice a year, and were overseen by the Manorial Lord.

The Assize of Bread and Ale, a statute dating from c.1266, set standards of quality, measurement, and pricing for bakers and brewers. At the local level, this resulted in regulatory licensing systems with arbitrary reoccurring fees, fines and punishments for lawbreakers.

In the 16th century, it was enacted that ale-brewers should charge for their ale such prices as might appear convenient and sufficient at the discretion of the justices of the peace within whose jurisdiction such ale-brewers should dwell. The price of ale was thereby regulated and the quality was ascertained by officers of great antiquity, the gustatores cervisiae, chosen annually in the Court-Leet of each Manor.

King Stone re-enact this most ancient custom as it may have been performed in the seventeenth century, enlisting the trusty services of Town Crier, High Bailiff, Constable and, most importantly, two ale-tasters.