Brewed Beverage of Choice: An Imperial Pint of Restitution Brown Ale - Cask Conditioned and Dry Hopped
Near the end of my career at the Cornelius Pass Roadhouse & Brewery we miraculously received a firkin, and thus my education in the fine art of cask conditioning began. Before I left I had a mere two batches under my belt. And, thanks to Confucius and St. Arnold, another miracle happened. The firkin somehow made it to Bend with me and last Wednesday night we released the Restitution Brown Cask Conditioned Ale, the first beer I produced in my re-education process.
There is something natural about tapping a firkin. It follows suit, really, considering the natural beauty that is a Real Ale. Taking the mallet back. Striking the spigot. Praying that it takes only one strike. As you can see in the photo, it took me two strikes because I hit a glass behind me on the first strike. But excuses aside, this was my first time tapping a cask conditioned beer in front of an audience. And the experience taught me people find it entertaining to watch a firkin getting tapped.
I hope the picture gets more people interested in cask beers. I know it makes me desirous for another pint.
Prost!
the confucian brewer