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Brewing ales
in Britain back in the 1800s was a rustic, laborious process. Cool
cellars provided the only refrigeration. Fermentation vessels
were made of wood. Ales were carbonated from carbon dioxide gas
produced by residual yeast inside sealed wooden or metal casks called
"firkins." This old-world method of production and carbonation
produces what has come to be known as cask-conditioned ale (also called
cask ale or real ale). Surprisingly, these traditional beers are
making a comeback. Why is cask ale so special? In the sealed
firkin, yeast produces soft, light carbonation and complex, mellow
flavor components before settling to the bottom of the container. After
a time in the cask, special porous pegs are used to vent any excess
carbonation, and a serving tap is hammered through a spout on the front
of the cask. Traditional real ale is served without
pasteurization or additions of artificial carbon dioxide or other
gasses. It's "firkin" delicious!
This is fresh ale the way it
was meant to be served! Attendees at the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting
(ACAT) will be amazed at the complexity and smooth, delicious character
of
these special homebrews. The beer lineup at ACAT
will include cask versions of some classic styles, some
dry-hopped versions (with fresh hops added to the cask),
and some surprise
specialty beers brewed especially for the event! A panel of beer
judges
will even award "best of show" ribbons.
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“When
properly served, a good real
(cask) ale will be transparently clear, with no cloudiness or
haze. In addition, it will be at cool cellar temperature (50 to
57°F) and it will have a subtle but noticeable level of
carbonation. Purists applaud this method of serving because of
the unique flavor characteristics imparted to the beer. Secondary
fermentation in the cask ensures that the beer is as fresh as it can
possibly be and it certainly doesn't lose any flavor through filtration
or pasteurization.”
-- Ray Daniels, Chicago
Real Ale Festival.
IMPORTANT
NOTES:
- Dress in warm
clothes. The brewery will be cold to keep the beer at the
proper serving temperature. Bring a folding chair if you'd like
your own
seat.
- We do ask that all guests be
responsible, use
moderation, have a designated
driver,
and remember that this event is
for beer tasting and appreciation - not overindulgence. 21 and up -
bring photo ID. Taxis will be on
call, so please do not drink and drive.
- If
you have a
confirmed reservation, your name will
simply be on our list of guests at the door. If you can't make it
to the event, simply have friends show up in your place with your name
and email address for confirmation.
- In case of
severe winter weather on January 31, every effort will be made to
postpone the event to the following day - Sunday, February 1.
CALL US at 706-254-BREW to check on event status in case of pending
severe weather. Sorry, there can be NO refunds for any donation
made through this page.
- All beer samples are provided to attendees at no
charge. No mandatory charge is made or expected for homebrew
samples
or attendance at this private event. The real ale brewers
do not pay for nor provide any promotional consideration to the
organizers for participation in this free sampling. The cask ales
are special homebrew test batches (not commerical beers). Some
beers may
run out before the end of the event.
- This free homebrew party is organized and
operated
solely by
non-paid volunteers who hold no connection with any brewery, beer
retailer or beer
wholesaler. We run the event simply to educate the public and
help spread the love of
cask-conditioned craft beer.
- We are now rotating the location of this event
between ABC and Sweetwater from year to year. Spreading the fun
around is a good thing.
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Great
Tunes from Mickle-a-Do
LIVE CELTIC MUSIC!
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Cheese
Samples from Cabot!
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January 31, 2009 
