The Shipyard Brewing Company - Prelude Special Ale

Prelude Special Ale is a great example of a style of beer that has come to be known as Winter Warmer. The style has fairly broad definitions; for example, winter warmers can be either ale or lager, though most often they are ales. In general, these beers tend to be medium amber to deep brown in color, are sweet with a malty emphasis, present little hop presence (though hop character is one of the more variable characteristics of the style) and range from 6-8% ABV (the higher alcohol level is part of what gives the style its name, as the alcohol tends to 'warm' the belly). Some traditional examples also feature spices like cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg. The Shipyard's version is more prominently hopped than many, yet is still malt-focused. It has a biscuit-like aroma with citrusy highlights and some fruity esters that evoke banana and hints of plum and pear. Expect notes of nutty malts with hints of rum and a firm hop bitterness that nicely balances the sweet side of this beer. Aftertaste is floral and bitter, and finishes with a toasty edge. Good with grilled chicken, Caesar salad, or stuffing with raisins (and surprisingly, grapes off the vine).

Occupying a large chunk of the northeastern U.S. coast, Maine's ports have long been critical to the shipping trade that has been a vital component of the state's economy since the 1700's. But over time, shipping methods have changed, and some of the great old ports and surrounding realty have fallen into disrepair. In 1992, an entrepreneurial real estate consultant, Fred Forsley, was hired to explore new options for one such troubled retail development in Kennebunk, Maine. The complex was located on the site of three historic 19th century shipyards. Fred felt he could successfully develop and sell a brew pub concept, linked to the shipbuilding history of the town. Never planning to enter the brewing business, he originally set out to sell the developed property to an interested investor. But fate intervened when Fred was introduced to British Master Brewer Alan Pugsley. Schooled and trained in the art of English ale brewing at the renowned Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire, England, under the tutelage of its founder, the legendary Peter Austin, Alan had designed breweries and formulated beers for over 65 well-known brew pubs and microbreweries worldwide, being referred to as "the Johnny Appleseed of Brewing". In the hopes of bringing true English-style ales to America, Alan had recently settled in Maine, bringing with him his extraordinary knowledge of English-style beer making, true English ingredients, and English brewing processes which he had perfected during his tenure with Peter Austin. Realizing the strengths that Alan could bring to a brewing establishment, and seduced by the appeal of the brewing industry, Fred hired Alan as a consultant, and they set sail into brewing history, founding Federal Jack's Brew Pub, the birthplace of The Shipyard ales. Federal Jack's, named for one of the most famous ships built on the site in 1908, quickly rose to local fame, with Fred and Alan seeing consumer demand for The Shipyard's beer soar. Eager to meet the challenge of expansion, they acquired four acres on Portland's historic working waterfront in 1994, with Alan moving out of his consulting role and joining The Shipyard as Master Brewer and part owner. On April 24, 1994 they brewed their first batch of fine hand-crafted ale at their Portland brewery, and have since become the largest brewery in the state of Maine, currently celebrating their 12th year of producing fantastic beers. For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, call (800) 789-0684 or check out their web site at www.shipyard.com.