As part of the American Independence Museum’s inaugural Beer for History event on Thursday, May 19 in downtown Exeter, Neighborhood Beer Co. (NHBC) is brewing a Baroque Butterfly Tan Ale, its take on a late medieval brew from the lowlands of Northwestern Europe. According to NHBC’s Joe Berwanger, the slightly sour, mixed-grain ale was very popular even in the mid-17th century, as it was praised by Pope Alexander VII when he helped negotiate the peace treaty of the Thirty Years’ War.
“A great example of beer’s prominent role in history, our recreation of this transcendent ale features a unique easy-drinking quality with citrus notes balancing out the slightly sour finish,” he said.
For the Museum’s Rob Levey, who initially outreached NHBC to gauge their interest in participating in Beer for History, the beer represents a “tangible and fun” reminder that history matters.
“Learning and celebrating history helps ground us as a nation, so Joe and his team’s enthusiasm at connecting their beer with the general concept of history itself is really pretty cool,” he said.
The man responsible behind the Keutebier style beer and the many award-winning German-style beers at NHBC is GABF award-winning brewer, international beer judge and brewing consultant, German-born Horst Dornbusch.
“Having opened up a little more than 6 months ago, we want to do all we can to connect with Exeter and the surrounding communities,” he said. “Partnering with the American Independence Museum and the other great brewers they have lined up for the series made a lot of sense too all of us…We look forward to unveiling our beer at May’s Beer for History.”
Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law of Portsmouth, other brewers include 7th Settlement in Dover and D.L. Geary Brewing Company from Maine. The Beer for History series kicks off on May 19 in Exeter, NH and will continue on June 23 with a Tavern Night theme and on October 20 with a Fall Harvest theme.
In addition to craft brews, each event will feature live music, food, games and magic for children. The Beer for History event in May will feature food prepared by 3 Brothers Marketplace in Exeter.
Tickets for each event in the series will be $30 and include food, samplings of beer, games for kids, and more. Members of the Museum may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $25. To buy tickets for an individual event or for the entire series at a discounted rate, visit Beer for History.