‘Not THAT Marion Berry’ Firkin to be Tapped at Steamworks

DURANGO, CO — The marionberry will be part of the specialty firkin to be tapped at Steamworks Brewing Co. on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, but it’s not THAT Marion Berry. Firkin Fridays continues at the brewpub with “Not THAT Marion Berry” and the cask will be tapped at 3 p.m.

“Marion Berry is the much-publicized former mayor of Washington DC, and while the Steamworks firkin will be unique, it shouldn’t be at all as controversial as the mayor,” said Ken Martin, Steamworks head brewer. “Our firkin for August features our hefeweizen, the German style, unfiltered wheat beer, fermented with fresh marionberries and red raspberries.”

Steamworks teamed up with Durango Mountain Resort’s Executive Chef Charlie Curtis, who hails from the Willamette Valley in Oregon — home to the marionberry — to source the fresh berries. The Steamworks firkin will also be featured at DMR’s Mushroom & Wine Festival Dinner on Aug. 10 at the resort.

“Steamworks has been an industry leader in pairing fine food and craft beer, and we’re honored to have our August firkin beer included as part of Chef Charlie’s gourmet dinner,” said Steamworks Chef and General Manager Sean Clark. “Education is a big part of the Steamworks culture, and we’re pleased that this will increase understanding of firkin beer even further.”

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.

“The Not THAT Marion Berry” firkin should have a pink hue similar to the popular guava firkin (the Pinky Tuscadero) we tapped two months ago,” said Spencer Roper, Steamworks assistant brewer. “Like that one, it should be light and refreshing with a fruity aroma, but the berries will add a sweetness to the brew.”

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.