This just in: the Sanctuary Pub will be tapping Rogue Beard Beer tonight. The beer is an American wild ale made with yeast cultured from Rogue Brewmaster John Maier’s beard, and that’s no joke. Back when Beard Beer was new on the scene, Huffington Post gave this detailed account of this strange brew’s origins:
The whole thing started as a joke. Brett Joyce, president of Rogue Ales, told KPTV on Sunday that the folks at Rogue Ales had been trying to harvest a new yeast strain from their hop yard for some time, but with little success.
Then the thought occurred to Joyce, “Why not look for a different place that might have some magic yeast in it?”
Brewery employees took nine follicles from Maier’s beard, which Maier says has not been shaved since 1978.
Miraculously, lab workers found a yeast that turned out to be perfect for fermenting beer, according to the brewery’s blog.
Oddly enough, the beer is quite delicious. Check out this Draft Magazine tasting video for more details:
