It is hard to believe that the time can go by so quickly, but the truth is that SweetWater Brewing Company is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this weekend. They have pulled out all the stops and are hitting their fans with a special anniversary beer and a party at the brewery on Saturday, February 18th.
First matter of business: the anniversary beer. The guys at SweetWater asked Kevin McNerney, an original founder and brewer at the brewery, back to help them brew a much more massive version of their original ESB beer recipe. Together they made 15th Anniversary Ale, an ale that sits at 10% ABV and really has no stylistic definition. Here is the brewery's description:
"For the first ever SweetWater anniversary beer (yeah it took us 15 years), we went back to our roots, dusted off our original ESB recipe, and gave it a big ol’ bump. The recipe consists of 7 malts, one of which Kevin toasted personally in his toaster oven, just like the old days, and 5 different styles of hops. In true SweetWater style, there is no style, but it’s big, bold, and meant to grow old, meaning this beer will be fantastic out of the gate, or you can lay her down in the cellar for many years to come."
This beer will be given the same production treatment as their Dank Tank line, which means 22 oz bottles and draft only. Word is a few kegs will make the rounds in their distribution network outside of Atlanta, so keep an eye out at your favorite, craft beer friendly bars and restaurants in Birmingham for a chance to sample.
If you want to make sure you get a chance to try the 15th Anniversary Ale, you could head over to SweetWater's brewery (195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta) this Saturday at 2 pm for their Anniversary Party. The 15th Anniversary will be flowing freely on draft and they will even have two different cask versions of the beer as well. The folks at SweetWater did not stop there though. They reached deep down in the cellar and set aside some very special and rare beers for this event. Here is the full lineup of confirmed beers:
- 15th Anniversary Ale
- Cask Conditioned 15th Anniversary Ale - dry hopped with the "C's"
- Cask Conditioned 15th Anniversary Ale - dry hopped with Noble Hops
- Festive Ale - 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 vintages
- Fresh Sticky Nugs - Dank Tank
- Big Ole Belgian Blue Balls - Dank Tank
- Mean Joe Bean - Dank Tank
- BSP Quad - Dank Tank
- Ghoulash - Dank Tank
- 420 IPA - Dank Tank
- The Creeper - Dank Tank, Three barrel aged with Brett, blackberry and raspberry
In addition to the above beers, SweetWater will also be pouring their entire year around lineup, Happy Ending Imperial Stout, and they promise a few surprises from the stash as the party goes on. Live music will be provided by Like a Locomotive and brewery tours will also be given during the event. The party goes from 2 pm to 6 pm, and no RSVP is required. All you have to do is show up for the celebration.
By providing us with great beers over the last 15 years, SweetWater Brewing Company has been a huge part of our local beer scene in Alabama and throughout the Southeast. They also found a way into our culture and family by helping out with Birmingham area programs like Save the Black Warrior. After all their contributions to the South over the years, all they ask is you kick back and celebrate with them. So, make the drive over to the brewery this Saturday for what is sure to be a party that will not soon be forgotten. If you can't make it to the party, at least raise a glass to SweetWater Brewing Company this month. Here's to another 15 great years, guys. Prost!
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