Steamworks Brewing Co. will continue its Firkin Fridays series and celebrate summer by tapping a Watermelon Gose at 3 p.m. on Friday.
A Gose style is a top-fermented, highly carbonated beer that originated in Goslar, Germany, in the Middle Ages. The flavor of Gose beer is dominated by lemon tartness, herbal characteristics and a strong saltiness.
“The sour and salt are the key characteristics of a Gose beer. Our version makes use of our lactobacillus starter culture, which uses Kölsch as a base,” said Steamworks Brew Master Ken Martin, in a press release.
Steamworks’ Colorado Kölsch is a light ale with a hint of sweetness. Gose beers traditionally include coriander but for this firkin, Steamworks’ brewers omitted it and added watermelon extract.
A firkin is an old English unit of volume, typically a wooden cask equal to approximately one-quarter of a regular barrel, or nine/ten gallons. The word “firkin” is derived from the Middle Dutch word “vierdekijn,” which means “fourth” as in one-fourth the size. Firkin beer is unpasteurized and unfiltered, contains no preservatives and is served at cellar temperature – cool but not cold.
Steamworks initiated its Firkin Fridays to introduce unusual, specialty craft beers to patrons, and augment its regular offerings. Steamworks is located at 801 E. Second. Ave. in Durango. For more information, visit www.steamworksbrewing.com or call 259-9200.
