DURANGO, Colo. – Firkin Fridays continues at Steamworks Brewing Co. on Friday, May 4, 2012, with the introduction of a unique brew: “Hotpricot.” The firkin cask will be tapped at 3 p.m.
“We’ve been calling it Hotpricot because we expect it to be hot, sweet and strong,” said Ken Martin, Steamworks head brewer. “The base is our Ale Diablo, which is already a strong, golden ale, and we’ve fermented it with wine must from Gewürztraminer and Riesling grapes.”
“Then we conditioned it with apricot and peach puree, and a blend of fresh roasted Hatch, Scotch Bonnet, Poblano Chilies,” added Spencer Roper, assistant brewer. “The result should be a very complex Belgian strong ale with the light fruity sweetness of apricot and a slight chili flavor and spiciness. Yum.”
A firkin is an old English unit of volume, typically a wooden cask equal to approximately one-quarter of a regular barrel, or nine gallons. Firkin beer is unpasteurized, unfiltered and naturally carbonated, or conditioned, it its cask. It is served at approximately 55 degrees - cool but not cold, and because it contains no preservatives, it’s designed to be consumed after tapping.
“We’ve got a large following for Firkin Fridays, and it’s growing as more people discover the opportunity to sample a unique brew that they truly can’t get anywhere else,” said Martin. “Come early to make sure you get a pint.”
Steamworks initiated its Firkin Fridays to introduce unusual, specialty craft beers to patrons, and augment its regular, award-winning offerings.
Steamworks Brewing Co., open 11 a.m. to closing seven days a week, is located at 801 E. Second. Ave., Durango (970.259.9200). For further information, visit www.steamworksbrewing.com.