Little known fact, in his youth Moscato served as a provisioner and quartermaster for a troupe of mercenaries launching expeditions into Fornost and farther North.  This is where he learned both the art of a chef as well as the finer points of brewing ale, beer, and wine.  Although he lacked the facilities for the latter most of the time, he learned much from the various different people who belonged to the troupe.  He even learned to fight using a club and shield, knocking the teeth out of his share of goblins in his day.

Now, more often his shield is displayed proudly on the mantle of his hearth, while Moscato spends much of his time around the Shire.  Occasionally the itch for adventure takes him, but for the most part he is one of the Shire Folk, even if some of his fellows grumble about his unorthodox past.