Medieval Large Leather Jack

The Traditional Jack of the medieval tavern obtained its name from the material used in its manufacture being Jack leather which is still created by soaking in very hot water. When dry the leather is very hard and stays in shape. A common trick in the ale house was to over fill the jack with pitch, thus creating a short measure for which many alewifes were pilloried in the 13/15 centuries.

This leather, hand made drinking vessel is intended for use by anyone who can appreciate fine ales, cider or wines consumed from attractive, durable and interesting vessels, as well as historic re-enactment groups who wish to enjoy drinks from vessels to the age they portray. This medieval jack would make a wonderful gift for anyone, young and old. Jack will hold approx 1 pint of liquid.

Internal Linings

Historically, leather Jacks were lined with the boiled resin of the birch or pine trees. However, our leather goblets use Brewer's Pitch, a more easily obtained and longer lasting material which mirrors the original lining very well. The drinking vessels are waterproofed, or beer proofed, with brewer's pitch, being the traditional method of caulking wooden beer casks, or lining water tanks and pipes prior to the advent of modern epoxy resins.

Brewer's pitch is an oil based product purified by having hot oxygen blown through it. It is acceptable in contact with cold consumable liquids when the contact is transitory and not long term storage, as ale and wine normally is, at least in the leather tankards as used by us!

Key Features:

• Can be used for most cold liquids you would put in a glass including beer, wine, cider and mead
• Rinse the vessel out with clear cold water and wipe the outside with a damp cloth
• Please note due to the nature of this hand made product the colour may vary
• Do not use for hot liquids or carbonated drinks such as cola

Care instructions: Wash by swilling out with clear, cold water and clean the outside with a wet cloth. It does not matter if the outside gets wet but it must not be immersed in water. The vessel will take all carbonated drinks except coke and will not take neat spirits. Do not attempt to squeeze the vessel.