Wooden jugs and more

A wooden jug is more than just a drinking vessel – it is a piece of craftsmanship history that is equally at home at medieval markets, in a military camp or on the dining table at home. Whether made of oak, birch or featuring a stainless steel insert: the jugs in this category combine a rustic look with genuine practicality for everyday use.

Wooden jug, tankard, beer mug – what do these terms mean?

In everyday language, the terms are often used interchangeably, yet they originally referred to different types of vessels. A ‘humpen’ is a large, cylindrical drinking vessel with a handle, often featuring a hinged lid. The term dates back to the 16th century and is closely linked to German drinking and festive culture. Well-known variants include the so-called Ulm humpen or the Willkomm-Humpen, which was passed around at guilds and societies as a welcome gesture.

A beer mug is the generic term for drinking mugs used specifically for drinking beer – whether made of glass, earthenware, pewter or wood. A wooden mug is therefore a beer mug made of natural wood. In addition, there is the simple cup (without a handle, open-top), the goblet (on a foot, often ceremonial) and the mug as a general term for drinking vessels with handles.

A medieval wooden cup is also referred to in historical sources as a wooden cup or wooden tankard. In German, people often simply refer to a wooden mug or wooden tankard – both terms mean the same rustic drinking vessel made of solid wood, as has been in use at markets and in taverns since the Middle Ages.

A comparison of wood types and materials

The type of wood you choose influences both the appearance and the durability, as well as the maintenance required. Additionally, some models feature a stainless steel insert – a solution that combines a historical appearance with modern practicality for everyday use.

Whether you can drink beer from a wooden mug is a common question – the answer is: yes, without any problems. Solid wood mugs made of oak or beech have been used for drinking for centuries. Models with a stainless steel insert are hygienically safe and much easier to clean. Mugs without an inner insert should be left to dry thoroughly on a regular basis to prevent mould from forming.

Wooden mugs at medieval markets: what matters in practice

Anyone taking their wooden jug to medieval markets or a military camp should look beyond just the appearance when buying. Stability and edge strength are crucial: jugs made of solid wood withstand knocks in a rucksack or camp bag far better than thin-walled versions. A uniform wall thickness and a securely attached handle are the key features here.

The shape affects how they pack: conical mugs cannot be stacked inside one another, but are more stable than cylindrical versions because the walls become thicker towards the bottom. Cylindrical mugs with straight walls have a more classic look, but take up slightly more space in your luggage.

A model with a stainless steel insert offers a practical advantage for market use: after washing, the wood does not need to dry for hours, as the inner surface is made of metal. This saves a considerable amount of time between two market days. For transport, it is also worth looking into a belt holder for drinking horns and mugs – this allows the mug to hang securely from your belt and avoids the need for extra storage.

Which beer mugs are worth something? From a collector’s perspective, handmade, one-off pieces made from natural materials are particularly sought after – especially if it is clear that the mug has been turned from a single piece of wood, no glue joints are visible, and the surface has been left natural or treated with edible oil. Mugs made from solid oak with historically accurate shapes fetch higher prices at markets and in specialist shops than industrially manufactured versions.

Overview: Mugs from the range

In addition to the mugs, you’ll find other matching wooden tableware in the range: wooden plates and bowls, as well as cooper’s wares, complement the camp equipment perfectly. For a complete place setting, we also recommend cutlery sets and containers made from birch bark.

With or without a lid – and why that was important in the Middle Ages

The hinged lid on a beer mug is not merely decorative – it has a genuine historical background. Why did beer mugs used to have lids? The answer is pragmatic: beer in the Middle Ages was cloudy, unchilled and served in open mugs. In taverns, at fairs and in military camps, insects – especially flies – were a daily problem. The hinged lid, originally made of wood or pewter, reliably protected the contents from contamination by insects, dust and falling particles.

The requirement to cover drinking vessels with lids was even enshrined in law in some German cities – a well-known example is the relevant regulation from the Electorate of Bavaria in the 16th century, which was linked to the plague epidemic of that time. Cleanliness when handling food and drink was a genuine matter of survival.

What was beer like in the Middle Ages? Generally speaking, it was less strong than modern beer, unchilled and often still drunk warm. Hops as a preservative only became established in the High Middle Ages; before that, grut was used – a herbal mixture of myrtle, juniper, rosemary and other plants. The beer spoiled quickly, which made the lid all the more important.

In re-enactments and at today’s medieval markets, the hinged lid is more than just a stylistic feature: it keeps the beer clean even during long marches through the camp and prevents spillage whilst carrying. The wooden mug with lid from our range directly reflects this historically documented function.

Care and longevity of wooden mugs

Whether you’re visiting your first medieval market or adding to your camp kit – a good wooden jug is an everyday companion that only gets better with time. Take your time to browse the jugs and choose the one that suits your style of use.

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