WILK Friday BeerBuzz – 15 Mar 2013 New Albion Ale w/Jim Koch

Three years ago when we launched the WILK Friday BeerBuzz, I started the very first show with a mixture of excitement & terror.  As each show passed and we began welcoming guests, I couldn’t quite believe what we were doing.  Featuring great craft beer and getting to chat with some really special members of the brewing community, it was all too good to be true…but things changed in Nov 2011. 

On our final show of Nov 2011, we hit another gear and welcomed a superstar in the brewing industry, Jim Koch from Boston Beer Co. on to the show.  This was a tipping point for me and it was not only an honor to talk to Jim, but a tremendous accomplishment personally to get the chance.

Jump forward to March 2013 and we thought the timing was perfect to invite Jim back on the show, but this time it was a little different.  Today on the show we welcomed Jim Koch back, but not to feature a traditional Samuel Adams beer…instead we featured a beer that was something much more.

Today we highlighted a beer brewed by Boston Beer Co, but a recipe and brand that dates back 30-years.  New Albion Brewing Co was opened by Jack McAuliffe in 1976 in Sonoma CA.  Jack literally built the brewery by hand and even though it failed in 1982, Jacks accomplishments created the blueprint and roadmap for the U.S. craft brewing industry and many future breweries.

In 2012, with the trademark for New Albion Ale reaching expiration, Jim Koch & Jack McAuliffe bought the brand and revived the recipe (and even yeast) for the original 30-year old New Albion Ale.  In July 2012 Jack & Jim met to brew the beer, launching it at GABF 2012 and releasing it to the public in Jan 2013.

So how is the beer?  New Albion Ale pours a deep golden color with notes of citrus and floral in the nose, the taste is somewhat hop forward with a cereal flavor up front and a clean but sweet finish that leaves you wanting more.  It’s a very good beer and an amazing taste of history.

Get out there now and try this beer…and as you taste the beer, you’ll also get a chance to taste the history and genesis of the American craft brewing scene.  This is a classic recipe for a brewery that was ahead of it’s time and I congratulate Jack McAuliffe for his vision and Jim Koch for his creativity and appreciation for the significance of this beer.  As a bonus, all profits go to Jack McAuliffe so be sure to try it for yourself.

Thank you to Jim Koch from Boston Beer (and Jack McAuliffe from New Albion Brewing), Nancy, John & Joe for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together.As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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