"1634 Ale"
"1634 Ale" was created by Tom Flores, master brewer at Brewer's Alley, following research of historic recipes and raw materials
available in centuries past. "We used ingredients that would have been found in the austere conditions of early colonial Maryland,"
said Flores of his rye-based ale recipe that also includes malted wheat, molasses and caraway. Flores says caramel and dark malts
round out the flavor of the "lighter bodied ale."
Flores' potable recreation has captured the attention of industry officials and the media alike who have sampled "1634 Ale"
in the past month. "Early reports of the beer's upcoming release were published in "Beverage Journal," the Maryland / DC industry
trade publication, as well as in the mass media and on beer blogs, - raising interest in the ale," said Flores. Maryland State
Governor, Martin O'Malley was among state officials who sampled the "1634 Ale" on Maryland Day, March 29, in Historic St. Mary’s
City.
Phil Bowers, president of Brewer's Alley, Inc., says that he is proud that his brewery was called upon to create the beer but
not surprised that beer was incorporated into the state celebration. "Fermented beverages such as beer and hard cider were
something of a necessity in the New World, where drinkable water was scarce," he said, particularly within the early-
discovered Atlantic coastal regions, such as St. Mary’s City, where inland water was brackish.
"1634 Ale" will serve as the official beer at the Maryland's Birthday Bash celebration in Historic St. Mary's City.
The state-recognized event will take place at the site of Maryland's first colony and capital, and feature tall sailing ships
along the St. Mary's waterfront, 17th-century style food, make-and-take crafts, vendors, music, and a special evening river
concert. For more information, visit: www.stmaryscity.org.
Brewer's Alley will also play host to a celebration at its location in historic downtown Frederick, MD on June 20. The event
will feature colonial food items, costumed servers, music and more.