Steamworks Brewing Co. to Tap Apple Pie Firkin in November

DURANGO, CO — With this season’s abundant apple crop, it seemed a natural for Steamworks Brewing Co. to develop a firkin recipe using this plentiful fruit. To that end, the brewpub will roll out an “Apple Pie” Firkin as part of Firkin Friday, its monthly showcase of unique hand-crafted beers. The keg will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013.

“This brew is mostly fermented raw apple cider combined with a small amount of wheat beer, as well as cinnamon sticks and brown sugar,” said Steamworks Brew Master and Certified Cicerone┬« Ken Martin. “The firkin should simulate an autumn classic, apple pie. It should be a real delight.”

A firkin is an old English unit of volume, typically a wooden cask equal to approximately one-quarter of a regular barrel, or nine/ten gallons. The word “firkin” is derived from the Middle Dutch word vierdekijn, which means “fourth” as in one-fourth the size.

“In the United Kingdom cask-conditioned beer, which we call a firkin, is known as ‘real ale,’” added Steamworks Brewer and Certified Cicerone┬« Spencer Roper. “Authentic cask ale must be kept at ‘cellar temperature’ — which is about 54 degrees — as it’s conditioned in its cask, and that’s what we do in the ‘cellar’ — the basement — at Steamworks.”

In cask conditioning, the yeast transforms the sugar into alcohol within the cask, and carbonation results from the trapped carbon dioxide occurring as a byproduct. Firkin beer is unpasteurized and unfiltered and served at cellar temperature – cool but not cold.

“Firkin beer is complex and nuanced, with a delicate, natural carbonation,” said Martin. “To those who know — and we’re seeing an increasing number of sophisticated craft brew aficionados.”

Steamworks initiated its Firkin Fridays to introduce unusual, specialty craft beers to patrons, and augment its regular, award-winning offerings. Steamworks, 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.