It's Crafty

Allagash Brewing Company started in 1995, as a one-man operation in a small space on the outskirts of Portland, Maine. Founder Rob Tod had worked in a brewery setting before and recognized a void within the craft brewing movement. While both German and British styles had become prevalent throughout the U.S., the ever-creative Belgian-styles were very difficult to find. Through his travels, Tod had sampled many of these unique beers and felt that the flavors and traditions of Belgium needed to be shared with the American drinking public. He designed a small 15-barrel brewhouse, gathered the finest array of authentic raw materials and began his quest towards the production of traditional Belgian style ales. Rob sold his first batch of beer in the summer of 1995.

Allagash brews a unique variety of traditional and experimental Belgian-style beers made with a dedication to craftsmanship and quality. All of the bottled beers at Allagash are bottle conditioned. This means that just prior to bottling; a fresh dose of yeast is added, along with a measured amount of candi sugar. After bottling, the beers are moved into a temperature controlled cellar, where the yeast will actually begin a new fermentation in the bottle. This new fermentation naturally carbonates the beer, and greatly enhances the traditional Belgian character. It is a long, expensive and traditional process... but we think it is worth it.

Hugh Malone is a blend of both Belgian and U.S. brewing traditions. This limited release Tribute Series beer combines the intense characteristics of American aroma hop varieties with the delicate esters of a Belgian style yeast. It is brewed with a blend of Pilsner Malt and Raw Wheat and fermented with the Allagash house yeast strain. Each year, the brewers work together to choose specific hop varieties, in order to impart the right balance of citrus, fruit, pine and spicy notes. We add a portion of hops to the sweet wort in the kettle, a technique known as "first wort hopping." As the boil begins a generous amount of Chinook and Warrior hops are added for bittering, followed by aroma hops (Centennial, Cascade and Ahtanum) in the whirlpool. During secondary fermentation in our conditioning tanks, we dry hop the beer, which instills a hoppy aroma with notes of pine and grapefruit. The dry hopping is done with Cascade, Centennial, Galaxy and Azacca hops.

Dry hopping. Safely.

This 7.8% ABV ale has a malty palate and a pronounced bitterness. It has a pleasant dry, hoppy finish. It wall pair nicely with Hanger Steak, Pommes Frites and Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Best enjoyed within six months.

With our Tribute Series beers, we honor and give back to organizations in our home state that make a positive impact in our greater neighborhood. Allagash will donate $1 from every 4-pack of Hugh Malone Ale to community gardens and others supporting sustainable agriculture.

This is a Limited Annual Release. Available in 4-pack, at $12.59.