Peer, I just checked the thread, and all this talk of beer and pemmican is making me hungry!
Pemmican is essentially powdered jerky. For those that don't know how to make either, let me explain. You take slices of meat about a quarter inch thick, and dry them on racks above a low fire. In an ideal situation, you would let the meat soak in saltwater for a bit, and maybe add some spices. You check it often, making sure that is not cooking - basically just dehydrating. When its done, you can grind it up - a mort and pestle would be ideal, smooshing the bejeezus out of it between two rocks will work - into a powder. This powder can be injested straight, or mixed with fresh animal fat or water for a hot meal. French fur traders lived off of pemmican, as large amounts of powder and jerky can be stowed for travel. Its lightweight and supplies the body's protien.
Mobile groups won't need to worry, for whatever reason, about brewing beer. But stationary folks might want to brush up on beer and winemaking - if anything, it could become an incredible exchange commodity. Does anyone here want to give this thread some advice on brewing wine and spirits?