So after Drew, Jeff, Ryan and I thought long and hard about how to make a very cool fall beer…  we came up with the following.

Mayflower Thanksgiving Ale is a sort of “Wood-Aged” Old Ale/American Strong Ale that is fairly malty and earthy with subtle spiciness.  We expect it to be around 6.5% abv. with 40 IBUs.  Here is a list of some of the goodies we are using to make this very special release…

For malts we thought… let’s go a little NUTS!
Crisp Gleneagle Maris Otter - this stuff is incredible

Castle Special B - a roasted belgian malt that delivers a nutty character with some caramel

Simpson’s Crystal Rye Malt - Why the heck not?

Simpson’s Golden Naked Oats - We like the name.. and figured the roundness will lend itself nicely.

Weyermann Carafa III - We wanted about 16 SRM(color) without the burnt flavors.. this should work fine.

Flaked Barley for some nice head retention and creamy mouthfeel.

We are also using a few different sugars for fermentables

For hops… going classic with East Kent Goldings at about 40 IBUs

The yeast… Well now something has to be secret doesn’t it?

As far as the Wood… we chose to work with The Barrel Mill and use American Oak Spirals with a light toast.

The brewday is set for September 2nd…. we will post more after we get to taste it.

More Later,
Matthew

Come join us this Thursday night for a tasting of Mayflower beers at The Pour Farm Tavern, in New Bedford.  The Pour Farm is a new tavern with 12 draft lines, and an extensive bottle selection on Purchase St. in New Bedford.  Check them out at www.pourfarm.com for more info.  From 7-9 PM we will be pouring samples of our Golden ale and Pale ale, and our Porter is currently on draft.  Look for Mayflower as it makes its way into the Southcoast, and as always, ask for it at your local watering hole and package store.

 Na zwrodie!

Ryan

We were very excited to hear that the folks at the Great British Beer Festival enjoyed our Porter on cask.  We shipped a firkin(10.8gallon cask) to the GBBF a few weeks ago.  Apparantly the cask was in great shape and was awarded a Silver Medal by a panel of Beer Experts and Professionals within the industry.  To learn more about The Campaign for Real Ale and the Great British Beer Festival go to:     http://www.camra.org.uk/home.aspx   and  http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=282170

There is also a pod(beer)cast for your listening pleasure. 

 Now… it is time to go bottle a batch of Pale Ale.  I will certainly have a glass of Porter at the end of my day to celebrate.  Hopefully you will too!