Brewers often use wood to add extra complexity to the flavor and aroma of the beers they make. Vanilla, coconut, caramel and toasty notes are just a few of the desired flavors that can be achieved by adding beer to a barrel, or throwing wood chips into a fermenter or firkin. French, American and Hungarian oak are commonly used, and even our beloved Northern California redwood has found it’s way into a beer. A more uncommon choice is the Louisville Slugger™.
For the second year in a row, 21st Amendment Brewery has collaborated with Hops for Heroes to create Homefront IPA, a beer aged on three Maplewood bats donated by Louisville Slugger™. The beer will be served at a special Hops for Heroes event on Memorial Day, May 27th, from 6-9pm at 21st Amendment Brewery. San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Javier Lopez will be in attendance and the bats used in the brewing process, along with a few more items, will be auctioned off.
The proceeds will benefit Operation Homefront, a charity that “provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.” Please come out and raise a glass of beer in honor of our veterans on Memorial Day.
The three bats resting at the bottom of the fermenter after the beer was transferred to a serving tank.
Check out the hop and yeast sludge on the end of the bat, being held by 21st Amendment brewer Zambo.
Beer bubbling up through the wood as they’re hung up to dry.
