Bethlehem, PA-
Johann ‘Sebastian’ Goundie built one of the first brick houses in the settlement now known as Bethlehem. He was a prominent businessman, and even served as mayor for a short time in the 1830′s. But most importantly to all beer aficionados out there, he was the region’s first celebrated brewer. And this Thursday, July 16th at 5:30pm, Goundie is coming back to life in more ways than one.
“Goundie’s Old Monocacy Ale,” adapted from historical recipes by award-winning amateur brewer Chris Bowen, will be on tap at the Bethlehem Brew Works (corner of Main and Broad Streets). Sebastian himself will be on hand to talk about the historic batch-ok, it’s just Bowen dressed in historic garb to add another bit of authenticity.
The hoopla is for the Historic Bethlehem Partnership as they are about to open their new exhibit on the History of Brewing in Bethlehem. How fitting that the men responsible for the brew are Chris Bowen and Beau Baden. Bowen is an awesome home brewer with dozens of awards and medals under his belt, who also gives historic brewing demonstrations in costume (as Goundie) for Historic Bethlehem. You can see him at festivals toasting malts over a fire and stirring cauldrons of dark ‘wort’ that will be fermented into our favorite adult beverage-beer. Baden is the other end of the spectrum (and time line), as the master brewer of the Fegley’s Brew Works in Bethlehem and Allentown, working on 15 barrel systems at both locations. He has also won dozens of medals through his career.
In 2007 the team paired up to brew a beer for the Great American Beer Festival, and broughtback a coveted Gold Medal to the Lehigh Valley. That brew took on the name William Allen Ale to celebrate the founder of Allentown. Now the team has paired up for Historic Bethlehem to bring the brewing tradition of that city full circle. They have brewed an ale to give modern beer drinkers an idea of the flavors that 18th-century Bethlehem residents tasted.
Goundie’s Old Monocacy Ale, is a typical Old Ale, using 2 row malt , fire roasted Barley and a special ingredient called Essentia Bina ( which is a homemade Molasses),boiling over a fire for hours before setting the pot on fire ,this adds color and a peat like taste . Old Ale is a somewhat sweet , rich and full bodied Ale . Come taste the History
Historic Bethlehem’s upcoming exhibition is entitled “Roll Out the Barrel: Bethlehem Brews History.” Research for the exhibition was funded in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Members of the Historic Bethlehem Partnership will also be on hand this Thursday at 5:30pm, to talk about the exhibit and announce exciting events coming up this year centered around brewing beer. It seems that Happy Hour in the Christmas city may end up being a ‘Happy Year.’
