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Monday, 10 March 2003 00:00 |
JUNEAU - For the first time ever, Alaskan Brewing is releasing its limited edition Smoked Porter in England this March. The success of Alaskan Smoked Porter at international competitions and persistent inquiries from England, led to the distribution agreement.
"We are very flattered to be approached by prestigious UK retailers who want to make our product available to their customers," says Alaskan Brewmaster, Geoff Larson. "We hope people enjoy our interpretation of what porters may have tasted like a hundred years ago in Alaska."
Alaskan Smoked Porter showcases alder smoked malt in a rich strong porter. Porters originated in England and the style was later brewed in Juneau, Alaska during the 1880 gold rush. Historical evidence suggests smoke was part of the porter flavor profile brewed in Alaska due to the necessity of direct roasting barley malt over open fires.
"Some breweries in Alaska had their own malting companies. They would roast or dry their own malts over fire, hence the smoky flavor and aroma," says Larson. "From our research we believe that our Alaskan Smoked Porter is representative of what was available in Juneau at the turn-of-the-century using indigenous woods," says Larson. Alaskan Brewing uses a commercial smokehouse at Juneau's Taku Smokeries, to prepare the malt.
Brewed only once each year in small amounts, this limited edition beer can be successfully aged. "We allow a little yeast to remain in each bottle and the alder smoke acts as a preservative," says Larson. "This allows the beer to continue to develop in the bottle over the years. The smoke flavor becomes more of a background note as it ages, allowing sherry, plum and raisin notes to emerge."
Alaskan Smoked Porter is one of the most award-winning beers in the United States with 11 medals to its credit from the nation's prestigious Great American Beer Festival. It has also garnered a bronze in 2002 and a silver in 2000 at the Brewing Industry International Awards in Burton-on-Trent, England and 2 silvers (1996, 1998) and a gold medal in 2000 at the World Beer Cup. Alaskan Brewing Company is located in Juneau, Alaska and has been brewing award-winning beers since 1986.
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For More Information Contact:
Kristi Monroe, (907) 780-5866
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