The Amber Brew-House
Standing proudly on the main road of the The Old Quarter is the Amber Brew-House, Orthay’s oldest operating meadery.
The building is a stout, earthen-walled structure reinforced with timber beams blackened by centuries of smoke. Its thatched eaves sag slightly, as though the building itself is bowing in greeting to passers-by.
Interior
Stepping inside, one is met with the warm glow of innumerable Continual Flame candles, their golden light reflecting off rows of amber bottles and polished wooden casks. The uneven stone floors have been smoothed by generations of boots, and hand-carved runic motifs decorate the hearth and ceiling rafters.
A wide brewing vat oversees the back room, its bronze plating tarnished but lovingly maintained. The air is thick with the scent of honey, spice and slow-fermenting fruit. Behind it, small underground fermentation chambers extend beneath neighbouring buildings, making the Brew-House larger than it appears from the street.
Atmosphere & Patrons
The Brew-House is seldom empty. During daylight hours, Old Quarter locals stop in for a mid-day drink or a quiet corner to warm their hands. After dusk, members of the City Watch frequently gather to drink and unwind by the hearth.
Davin Wyll
Davin Wyll runs the establishment with a steady hand and a warm smile. Despite his tough appearance, Davin is best known for his booming laugh and his uncanny ability to remember the order of anyone who has visited previously.
Local lore claims that, during his time as a mercenary, Davin wrestled a troll long enough to save an entire caravan of pilgrims. Davin himself deflects the topic whenever it comes up.
Goods & Offerings
The Amber Brew-House prides itself on its traditional brewing techniques, emphasizing all-natural ingredients sourced from Valorian businesses based around Miritar Forest. Indeed, Davin’s favourite wild honey supplier, Goster Stoutsong, sources his product from wild hives deep within the forest itself.
Mead
| Price | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Amber Hearth Mead | 4 sp per tankard | A smooth, honey-rich classic with floral undertones. The Brew-House’s staple drink for over 400 years. |
| Druid’s Circle Mead | 7 sp per tankard | A bright, refreshing mead infused with citrus peel and wildflowers. |
| Ironwall Mead | 1 gp per tankard | A potent dark mead with notes of molasses and burnt oak. Not for the faint-hearted. |
| Deep-Barrel Brackett | 1 gp per tankard | Half mead, half ale, all delicious. Brewed with dark grains and mountain herbs. |
| Old Orthay Reserve () | 5 gp per tankard | A legendary barrel-aged mead with a silky solar-gold finish (only available on special occasions). |
Cider
| Price | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Nightrest Cider | 6 sp per mug | A lightly spiced apple-herb cider. Calming, warm and pleasantly tart |
| Old Orchard Sparkling Cider | 8 sp per bottle | Effervescent, crisp and bright. A favourite during summertime |
Spirits
| Price | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Spiced Hearth Liquor | 1 gp per shot | A fiery amber liquor infused with cinnamon and clove. Perfect for fending off winter’s chill |
| Stokkum’s Stonebreaker | 1 gp per shot | An astoundingly strong dwarven-style whisky. At 85% ABV, the first shot is warming but the second may knock you out |
Snacks & Small Plates
| Price | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Honey-Baked Mixed Nuts | 3 sp per bowl | An assortment of roasted nuts, glazed in rich honey |
| Cider-Battered Crisps | 4 sp per plate | Thin slices of potato fried in cider batter and sprinkled with sea salt |
| Old Quarter Cheese Board | 8 sp per head | A trio of local cheeses served with fruit and crackers, with a honey drizzle |
| Boar Skewers | 3 sp each | Charred, savory boar bites, served with a tangy barbeque sauce |
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