Scott stirring the the grain during mashing in.
It is considered lucky to have a job that you enjoy, but to enjoy your career and love the people you work with is kind of like winning the life lottery. Scott Cardwell, co-owner of the Phoenix Brewing Company and his son, Phoenix assistant brewer Ian Cardwell get to do that every day. Most recently, they collaborated on the newest addition to the Phoenix beer portfolio, Firth of Clyde. A nod to their Celtic heritage bringing together 4 generations of Cardwells. They began planning the recipe late summer of 2017 after a customer suggested they should brew a beer together. They both agreed they wanted to brew a Scottish Ale.
Graining out
After several months, a multitude of recipe revisions and tasting sessions, they began. The final recipe and test batch came to fruition just in time to be brewed and released for Father’s Day 2018. The most difficult part of the process according to Ian, was trying to scorch the wort at a larger scale. A traditional Scottish Ale is scorched at the beginning of the boil to create a kettle caramelization. The ale also includes Heather flowers, common in Scotland, for floral aroma and to add a mild bitterness. The duo named the Scottish Ale Firth of Clyde after an inlet in Scotland where the River Clyde empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It was important that the ale not just honor their bond as father and son, but generations before them.
3 generations of Cardwells
Scott Cardwell said “It was a blast to brew with my son for the first time and to also have my father stop in to lend a hand. I am very proud of what Ian has accomplished here under Duncan’s instruction. Ian now does most of the brewing on our 5 BBL pilot system.” The Firth of Clyde is dark amber malty with notes of caramel and a very low hop presence. Its low ABV of 5% creates a sessionable beer perfect for sharing with Dad. It releases June 17th in the taproom at 12:30 pm. The special Father’s Day release includes a meet the brewers at 2pm and Dads can keep the glass with their pint purchase. Mama Jo’s Café, will also be on hand serving brunch and luncheon items as well.