Researching, recreating and reintroducing historically classic beer styles is a mission that the brewers of Baird Beer undertake with great joy and zeal. British beer tradition-culture is as close to our hearts as any. The historical roots of the year-round lineup of Baird Beer reach most directly back to the ale brewing traditions of England. Likewise, our Baird Beer pub — The Taproom — is very consciously a British-style public house in tone and tenor. Why not, then, amidst the chill of autumn host an event to celebrate this inspirational culture of British beer?
Beginning today (Wednesday, November 7), the Fishmarket Taproom will be pouring from its English handpumps three quintessentially British ales: Public House Bitter, Brewmaster’s Best Bitter, and Real Deal Extra Special Bitter (ESB). All three ales, as is plain, are members of the ‘Bitter’ family. The term ‘Bitter’ dates from a time when most English breweries produced two basic types of everyday ale — Mild and Bitter. Whereas ‘Mild’ denoted a relatively sweet beer, ‘Bitter’ indicated a drier brew. The dryness, or bitterness, of course, stemmed from an emphasis on hops in the flavor profile.
Everyday drinking in England traditionally has been done in Public Houses (or Pubs) and thus the sobriquet ‘Bitter’ generally has applied to draught ales that are dispensed in the traditional way — via handpump at cellar temperature and with no addition of CO2 gas pressure. The English Public House experience is about convivial human intercourse facilitated by the enjoyment of several pints of Bitter. To this end, the family of Bitter ales tend to be low-to-moderate in gravity and alcohol and thus can be drunk in quantity. To us, enjoyment of a Bitter ale in a Public House represents all that is great about beer: wonderful flavor, quenching refreshment and meaningful, friendly human interaction.
To enhance your overall experience with these wonderful English ales, The Taproom kitchen will be serving up three glorious examples of English pub fare: Shepard’s Pie, Taproom-style Chicken & Chips, and homemade Potato Pancakes. This menu will be available for three days only (Friday – Sunday, November 9-11). Please plan to join us at The Taproom this weekend for a festive celebration of British ale culture.
All three of these British-style ales will be available for your enjoyment at select Baird Beer retailing pubs and restaurants in Japan beginning Thursday, November 8. These beers are draught-only (no bottles available). Supplies are extremely limited so make haste to your favorite local.
*Public House Bitter (ABV 3.6%, Maris Otter and Caramel malt, single-hopped -and dry hopped- with Glacier)
*Brewmaster’s Best Bitter (ABV 4.1%, Maris Otter and Caramel malt, single-hopped -and dry hopped- with East Kent Golding)
*Real Deal ESB (ABV 5.0%, Maris Otter, Wheat and Caramel malt, hopped and dry hopped with Centennial, Horizon, Fuggle)
Cheers!
Bryan Baird
