Many misconceptions lurk about cask-conditioned ale. That it’s flat, “it’s not fizzy like my favorite American adjunct lager.” That it’s warm, “real beer comes cold as the mountains of Colorado, I keep my fridge at 20 degrees so I can’t taste whats in my can.” And lastly that it’s cloudy, “if I can’t see through it I’m not drinking it…unless its coffee.” These claims are, in the words of Johnny Rotten, bollocks.
On Wednesday, February 16, Oliver Ales brewmaster, Steve Jones, will be on-hand at the Columbia Firehouse in Alexandria, VA to talk and pour Real Ale. He will have a glass-ended firkin so you can literally see the beer you’re about to consume. The cask of Ironman Pale Ale was dry-hopped with a healthy amount of Bramling Cross, a brilliant English hop. A second cask of 3 Lions Brown Ale will be featured behind the bar.
Many misconceptions lurk about cask-conditioned ale. That it’s flat, “it’s not fizzy like my favorite American adjunct lager.” That it’s warm, “real beer comes cold as the mountains of Colorado, I keep my fridge at 20 degrees so I can’t taste whats in my can.” And lastly that it’s cloudy, “if I can’t see through it I’m not drinking it…unless its coffee.” These claims are, in the words of Johnny Rotten, bollocks.
All jokes aside, Real Ale is neither flat, warm or cloudy as Mr. Cizauskas points out. But, if you don’t believe me, head to the Columbia Firehouse Restaurant and Barroom for the “Cask Ale Master Class” starting at 5:30 and ending at 9:00 pm.
There is no cost to the public, simply pay $7 for a glass of cask ale and you get to keep your glass (while supplies last). Columbia Firehouse is shooting for a fairly casual class so leave your scantron at home. Bring your interest in good beer and welcome Steve Jones and Oliver Ales to their first event in Northern, VA, cask class is now in session.
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