Sounds reasonable, PF.
The earliest record we have of the ballet is in the Stationers' Register for 1594, but the earliest copy I have is about 1656. The 'new' simply means 'new' as opposed to old ale which would have gone a little stale/flat..

'All you that do this merry ditty view,
taste of Joan's Ale, for it is strong and true.' intro.

last few lines:
And when the business was done,
They every man departed home,
And promised Jone again to come,
When she had brew'd anew.'