Allsopp’s Arctic Ale – Alchemy

Mike Fegley from Brew Works was nice enough to send me more info on a story I’ve been following.  Back in 1852 a British expedition lead by Sir Edward Belcher set out through the northwest passage to explore the arctic sea.  On board that ship were several hundred bottles of Allsopp’s Arctic Ale…a high hop 12% special ale.  Years later in 2007, an original bottle was sold for over a half-million dollars…which lead to an idea.

Beginning in July 2010,  Chris Bowen, Dick Gethin, and John Chay will set out from Bethlehel, PA on a 2000-mile motorcycle journey to the Canadian Arctic (Hudson/James Bay) where they will recreate and re-brew the original Arctic Ale using Allsopp’s original recipe, local resources and a portable brewery.  Along the way they will film the adventure, and they are even inviting others to join the ride as they visit breweries and historical locations along the way. 

Alchemy is in the tanks now at Brew Works…brewed by Beau Baden & Chris Bowen using the same recipe to we should actually be able to try this beer soon.  Stay tuned as we add more details and hopefully even follow along as they ride.  Cheers to an amazing idea.