“Devil’s Fruit Basket” to be tapped Aug. 5th at Steamworks
“Devil’s Fruit Basket” to be tapped Aug. 5th at Steamworks
DURANGO, Colo. – With a nod to the recent blistering summer heat, Steamworks Brewing Co. will tap its “Devil’s Fruit Basket” on Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, at 3 p.m., as “Firkin Fridays” continues at the brewpub.
“We’ve used our Ale Diablo, which is a Belgian Strong Golden Ale as a base blended with fresh Palisade tart pie cherries,” said Ken Martin, Steamworks head brewer, noting that the Ale Diablo alone offers peppery spice and fruity, clove-like notes with a soft tartness of green apple and a underpinning of citrus derived from the use of Riesling and Gewürztraminer grape must (juice). “The Ale Diablo has an ABV of 8.5 percent. We call it a sweet little devil.”
For the firkin, Steamworks’ brewdogs also added a Champagne or true Belgian yeast for a drier finish and more carbonation. According to Martin, the yeast itself is spicy and phenolic with the aroma of pear.
“All this blended with the cherries should give this offering a fruity bouquet and intense fruity flavor,” he said. “That’s one of the most exciting aspects of making a firkin is being just a little surprised when it finally gets tapped.”
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. Steamworks initiated its Firkin Fridays to introduce a range of specialty craft beers not suited to large draft production. Each month an “unusual” brew is tapped, coordinated with the season or holidays.
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.
“Which has not been an issue at Steamworks,” said Spencer Roper, Steamworks assistant brewer. “Firkin Fridays has a strong following. Where else can you sample unique, hand-crafted beers? Come early to make sure you get a pint.”
The award-winning 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.
