Today Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works is releasing a special beer to honor the 275th anniversary of the founding of the city. At 6pm the brewery will be tapping Goundie’s Old Monocacy Ale, made from a historical recipe as a collaboration between beer historian and brewer Christopher Bowen and former Brew Works brewmaster Beau Baden.
Brewed in February, this beer pays homage to John Sebastion Goundie, who lived on Main Street just a few steps away from the Bethlehem Brew Works and was one of the area’s first brewers. The Goundie House is currently home to the “Bethlehem: Brewed and Distilled” exhibit, curated by Bowen. Coming in at 8% ABV, the beer was crafted from a circa 1815 recipe for an English-style Old Ale that utilized smoked biscuit, Maris Otter, and English malts. Bowen also added fire-roasted barley, and Essentia Bina, made from boiling sugar over a fire for hours and smoking it by setting the pot on fire.
In addition to the draft offering, the beer will be available in a limited edition corked & caged 750ml bottle as well as gift packs.