BRIGHTSTAR BERRY ALE

DRINKS OF BRISTAR

During its long history, Velethuil, known today as Bristar, has had incredible importance to the elves of Cormanthor, and arguably to the whole of the Elven Nation. Today, Velethuil is one of the few enclaves of practically undiluted elven life and culture remaining in the mainland of Faerūn. Helping the efforts of preservation, it is fortunate that the elves of Velethuil have a wonderful relation with the folk of Deepingdale, perhaps exhibiting the model of what a peaceful coexistence between Tel’Quessir and N’Tel’Quessir could be.

The elves trade regularly with the folk of Highmoon and the smaller hamlets of Deepingdale, both to acquire raw materials (such as iron ore from the Iron Peak Mountains to the east) as well as to foster good relations between the various communities. Not surprisingly, some of the most sought after products in the dale are elven-made goods, priced for their superb craftsmanship and quality. Of these, the most prized items visiting merchants and locals alike seek to buy constantly are the amazing drinks produced by the Velethuil elves, being these some of the most exquisite drinks ever produced on Faerūn, with recipes that date back to the days of Myth Drannor.

The secret of all these drinks is one particular ingredient: a small, deep red wild berry found only in the immediate area of Velethuil, known simply as Brightstar berry. Centuries ago, when the Brightstar clan of moon elves migrated to the area from Semberholme, they found the berries reason enough to settle. Immediately they set out to create a magnificent berry wine that became famous throughout the host of the Elven Nation. And even though the particular ingredient is known, the particular methods of creating these drinks are one of the most guarded secrets of Velethuil.

Brightstar berries are small, about the size of a strawberry, and indeed look like a cross between a strawberry and a blackberry. They have a deep red color, almost maroon, and are divided into three sections, each one with a pit inside. The skin is somewhat rough and just a tad too tough for such a small berry, which makes them last on many forest creature’s menu. They can be eaten, but their sharp and bitter taste makes them an acquired taste. When used in the creation of foods and drinks, however, the berries imbue the products with a taste that is both sharp and semi-sweet, a unique taste unequaled throughout the Heartlands.

Here, then, are the three most famous drinks produced from these berries, including the unique kind of mead created by the Velethuil elves, a recipe almost impossible to reproduce, and one of the few to give Evermead any competition in flavor and quality.

BRIGHTSTAR BERRY ALE

This ale is produced from a combination of grains traded in Highmoon and Brightstar berries, a liquid manifestation of the peaceful coexistence that is Deepingdale. Served exclusively in Velethuil and the bars of Highmoon, this drink is never traded or served outside the dale, making it a tourist attraction of sorts. Many are the caravans and adventuring parties that make their way to Highmoon in order to taste the legendary berry ale of Deepingdale, something that has proved a boon to the developing town.

The ale sports a peculiar and very vibrant golden-orange hue that sparkles gem-like if held against a flickering light source. It has a robust body that foams easily, with a soft, fruity aftertaste that belies its potency. Natives to Deepingdale have learned how to drink this ale in order to maximize taste (hearty gulps while the foam is still thick) and minimize inebriating effects (2 pints in a 4-hour period are more than enough to give an average person a good buzz that lasts the rest of the night). Elves and half-elves seem to have a natural resistance to the berry-derived alcohol, being able to drink twice as much as any human to feel the same effects. Most frequent dwarven visitors from the Iron Peak Mountains find the ale “too fruity” for their taste, though a few of them have developed a taste for it, and have found it quite a strong drink, to their surprise.

Brightstar Berry Ale is brewed in Velethuil roughly 6 times a year, with each batch consisting of 10 to 15 ten-gallon barrels that are left to age for 2 months. Three quarters of each batch are traded to Highmoon for a variety of products, while the rest is reserved for the elves.

This ale is served at room temperature, though at times, barrels are immersed in the river and the ale is served cold (usually done on hot summer months). It normally sells for 2 sp a pint, with prices fluctuating depending on stock, season or festivities. A small keg (1 gallon) sells for approximately 15 sp, while a 5-gallon barrel, whenever it is available, sells for roughly 10 gp.