As is pretty standard these days, Pontoon Brewing took to Instagram to announce the brewery will close their doors after their last scheduled event on October 28th. In the post, Pontoon blames a lack of payments from their main distributing partner for the brewery’s demise, stopping short of naming which distributor that has not paid the brewery. With the current state of the economy, it’s been a bumpier ride than anticipated, but we continued to grow strike up new partnerships, grow our team, and shine bright!
Quietly, Fennville, Michigan’s Virtue Cider has returned back to the hands of the founder Greg Hall.
Virtue Cider is no longer part of Anheuser-Busch. Greg Hall has re-aquired the cidery back in August, according to an email statement Beer Street Journal received from the A-B Craft Division.
Today we announced an agreement to purchase Virtue Cider from our partners at Anheuser-Busch. It’s been a great five years with Anheuser-Busch, and I want to thank my colleagues and fellow craft brewery founders for believing in Virtue Cider and helping us create some of the best cider in the world.
Moving forward, we’ll continue to focus on what we’ve always done: making world-class ciders that are fit for the table, being great stewards of the environment, and helping more people discover Fennville and all that Southwest Michigan has to offer.
Greg Hall, Founder, Virtue Cider
In 2015, it was reported that Virtue Cider was financially behind, ultimately Hall to sell of the controlling stake in Virtue to be sold to Anheuser Busch. In 2017, AB bought the remaining stake in September 2017.
Fast forward to 2023, AB InBev has lost billions over the summer after a failed marketing campaign, and most recently- selling off numerous brands including Shock Top, in their portfolio off to cannabis company, Tilray in August.
The deal is still pending approval through the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The financials of the deal and closing date were not disclosed.
Beer Street Journal visited Virtue Cider earlier this summer. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but quite peaceful (and delicious).
As is pretty standard these days, Pontoon Brewing took to Instagram to announce the brewery will close their doors after their last scheduled event on October 28th. The brewery blames in the post that lack of payments from their main distributing partner for the brewery’s demise, stopping short of naming which distributor has not paid the brewery. With the current state of the economy, it’s been a bumpier ride than anticipated, but we continued to grow strike up new partnerships, grow our team, and shine bright!
Like many beer enthusiasts – but not many in the general public – Wurtzel knows the role Carter played in fostering the craft brewing phenomenon … But after home brewers were able to …
Being frugal and making friends with beekeepers have benefits for the experimental meadmaker, and occasionally I get to play with crystallized comb or rinsings from extruded frames. But because the sugar concentration of washed honey is unknown, the density (specific gravity) of diluted honey has to be checked. Today we enjoy access to the wonderful glass hydrometer, but hydrometers have a habit of rolling off the counter when brew day rolls around. In the absence of a hydrometer, brewers in the past often used an egg. Really.
How the Floating Egg Test Works
The floating egg technique works thanks to the internal anatomy of an egg, which includes an air sac at the rounded end for the bird embryo to breathe. A fresh egg has a relatively small air sac, but egg shells are slightly porous, and the air sac grows as the contents of the egg slowly evaporate and dry out. A very fresh egg sinks in water, but an old egg with a large air sac will bob up and float. This float test is still used in modern times to test whether or not an egg is fit to eat before cracking it.
Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to that of water. By definition, the specific gravity of water is 1. Anything with a specific gravity greater than 1, like wort or must, is denser than water, and anything with a specific gravity less than 1, like ethanol (alcohol), is less dense than water. When salts or sugars (like honey) are dissolved into water, the extra particles change the density of the solution.
A fresh egg has a density between 1.03-1.1 g/mL, which means it will float in a solution that has a density greater than or equal to 1.03-1.1 g/mL.1 (The density of pure water is an even 1.0 g/mL.) Thus, an egg placed in must or wort having a specific gravity greater than approximately 1.030 to 1.100 will float. The denser the liquid, the higher the egg will bob in the solution.
Must Density Matters
Throughout most of history, every last bit of honey would have been used, not just the honey that’s easy to extract. The centrifugal honey extruder is a modern convenience that allows for high yield with minimal processing, but before this useful invention, honey would have been extracted by hand, first by leaking and breaking up the combs, and then by washing the broken combs in warm water to dissolve the remaining and any crystallized honey.
The resulting mixture of honey and water would be of unknown strength and would have needed to be checked before brewing: insufficient fermentable sugars could result in an easily spoiled brew, and too much sugar can inhibit yeast growth and stall fermentation. Master brewers likely could eyeball or taste and have a perfect brew each time, but the less experienced benefited from a visual aide like a floating egg. By the end of the 17th century, a hen’s egg was specified for this purpose.2
Historic brewing recipes are uncertain as to whether the must should be heated or not, and they often recommend testing the strength before boiling,3 apparently not realizing this evaporates water and increases density. The brewers are also not quite able to make up their mind if the must should be cold, blood-warm, or boiling, which could indicate they did not understand how temperature affects specific gravity either.
The 1597 Dutch beekeeping manual Van de Byen by Theodorus Clutius says, “and let it cook / until an Egg can float in the liquid / then set it off the fire,” which could have yielded a nicely boiled egg if it were not removed quickly enough. A 1616 Danish cookbook–the oldest such known–advises one to “put an egg or two into this lukewarm brew so that there is a part of egg as big as a 2 shilling over the water then it is sweet and fat enough,” which probably is the most accurate measurement.
Several 17th-century brewing recipes associated coins, especially twopence and the groat, with the floating egg. The diameter of the coin would be used as a size measurement of the diameter of the bit of shell sticking above the water surface, and this measurement averages a ratio of 3:1 to 4:1 of water to honey dilution,4 which are appropriate ratios for mead must.
How to Float an Egg
The diameter of an ideal groat is approximately 23-24 mm, and the diameter of a US quarter is 24.26 mm (0.955 inches), which makes a quarter the perfect stand-in for the old groat.
The size of the air sac changes as an egg ages–interfering with the results of our density test–so it is very important to use a fresh egg that has not yet had time to evaporate. It is also important to check the supposedly fresh egg, as eggs sold in the supermarket are not always as fresh as you might assume. To do this, calibrate the egg in plain water before every density test to make sure it sinks flat to the bottom, with both butt and tip level (see figure below).
Differences in breed, health, age, and diet can also cause the size and shape of the egg to differ quite significantly. For the best results, compare several eggs and pick out the most average one.
The table below correlates egg position–that portion of the egg visible above the surface of the liquid–with specific gravity, giving us an idea of what to aim for. Egg readings are given for ale yeasts with alcohol tolerances of 10% and 12% by volume.5
Mead Style
Starting Gravity (10% ABV tolerant yeast)
Diameter of Egg Visible above Surface
Starting Gravity (12% ABV tolerant yeast)
Diameter of Egg Visible above Surface
Dry
1.085
touches
1.100
20 mm
Medium
1.095
18 mm
1.110
26 mm
Sweet
1.100
20 mm
1.120
30 mm
Dessert
1.100+
>20 mm
1.120+
>30 mm
To make sure there is enough sugar for the yeast to feed on, the egg should float. But if it starts to tip over and not reliably point up anymore, the solution has become too strong, with too much honey sugar for the yeast to properly work, and fermentation will likely stall. The average range of 1.08 to 1.12 g/mL at which the average round, fresh-laid egg floats and points upward is also the ideal range of sugar content for starting a successful brew using standard yeast.6
So, after all this, where do you start? Start with a fresh egg no more than two days old, of the roundest kind, weighing less than or about 2 ounces (57 g). Calibrate the egg in room-temperature water to make sure it sinks flat. Make your honey must, heat and evaporate as needed, let cool down to blood temperature, and add your egg.
If the egg sinks, the must is too weak. If it floats close to tipping or tips, the must is too strong. If it is too weak, add more honey, stir well, and try again. If it’s too strong, add a little water, stir well, and try again. As you can imagine, it is easier to start with too strong a solution and dilute it, than to start with a weak solution and try to incrementally dissolve more honey. If your must does need some strengthening, make a strong honey or sugar solution first, and incrementally add that to your must, not straight up undiluted honey.
It has been my experience that if the egg tip touches but does not break the surface of the must, it will ferment to a nice, dry wine-like mead. If you prefer something sweeter, aim to have the egg break the surface and show an area about the size of a quarter, or a bit less. If at first you don’t feel at ease trusting your fresh-laid egg, use a modern hydrometer the first few times, in conjunction with your egg, to get the hang of this technique. Before you know it you’ll reach for an egg, conveniently located in your kitchen.
* * *
As a homesteader and medieval reenactor, Susan Verberg enjoys researching alternative ingredients and old fashioned techniques. Verberg primarily brews mead and keeps bees when possible, but also occasionally dabbles in historic–especially herbed–beers. For more on Verberg’s mead brewing, check out her collection of medieval recipes and techniques.
Danny and Andy are back this week to discuss the latest player in big craft, Tilray Brands. We talk about the following: When we first heard about Tilray. What they […]
As the acid began to kick in, we noticed some other ice houses being pulled off of the lake. We briefly wondered about our safety, but figured that if we were in danger, we’d have heard from the guy who owned ours. The pouring rain finally subsided into a drizzle in the late afternoon, so we decided to take one last daylit walk on the lake. Wearing microspikes and carefully avoiding augered holes where ice houses once stood, we marveled at the drastically changed landscape. Chisago Lake, one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, seemingly had another 10,000 lakes scattered and pooled across it.
The United States is home to more than 18,000 islands, and for travel lovers, many are worth adding to a list of must-see destinations. Luckily for craft beer enthusiasts, there are breweries located on several of these islands.
Brewing on an island isn’t always a sunny vacation, though. For some, it can mean shipping challenges, an increased cost of materials, and relying on tourism season for business. On the other hand, these breweries are creating a unique community gathering place for locals and travelers alike, often adding an unforgettable experience to a trip itinerary.
Low Tide Brewing in South Carolina, for example, offers a biannual Brews Cruise that includes a sunset boat ride with live music and food trucks. Many brewers use their island’s local ingredients in their beers and provide breathtaking views to go along with their well-made beverages.
Here’s a look at 19 craft breweries located on U.S. islands. Side note: we raise a glass to Kohala Brewery, which was originally included in this list but was sadly lost in the Lahaina fire in August. Much like the famous banyan tree, we hope it will find a way to rise from the ashes and thrive again.
Catalina Island Brew House | Catalina Island
California’s Santa Catalina Island, located 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, is only eight miles across and 22 miles long. Unique to island living, Catalina Island Brew House often crafts its brews with desalinated seawater and cools barrels with seawater. Beers often include herbs and produce grown right on the island, such as prickly pear, spruce tips, and black sage. In the morning, coffee and house-made pasties can be enjoyed on the ocean-view patio. catalinabrewhouse.com
Mocama Beer Company | Amelia Island
Located in Northeastern Florida on the Atlantic Coast, Amelia Island has 13 miles of scenic beaches. On Fernandina Beach, you’ll find Mocama Beer Company. The historical translation of Mocama is the ocean, or more specifically, big water where the sun is born. A wide range of styles include Burial at Sea Baltic Porter, Moder Marzen, Rare Cargo Hazy Double IPA, and Ruby Rosa Fruited Berliner Weisse. mocama.com
Low Tide Brewing | Johns Island
Johns Island is the largest island in South Carolina, with one-third of it falling within Charleston’s city limits. The founders of Low Tide Brewing came up with the name while kayaking around the island in 2012. Beer is created in the spirit of the tides, waves, wind, and solitude of the coastline, such as Tide Chaser IPA, Lagoon Lounger IPA, and Aloha Beaches Pineapple Wheat Beer. lowtidebrewing.com
Mare Island Brewing Co. | Mare Island
Mare Island was the first U.S. naval shipyard on the West Coast. Now it’s home to Touro University California and many businesses including Mare Island Brewing. The Coal Shed location is on Mare Island in Vallejo, Calif., accessible by ferry and car and complete with a waterfront beer garden. The Ferry Taproom is located at the Vallejo Ferry landing on the mainland, and First Street Taphouse is in nearby Benicia, Calif. mareislandbrewingco.com
Mare Island Brewing
Island Hoppin’ Brewery | Orcas Island
Orcas Island is the largest of Washington state’s San Juan Islands, known for kayaking, whale watching, and hiking. Take the ferry off the Northwest coast to get to Island Hoppin’ Brewery with seven beers on tap, including Dockside Schwarzbier, Elwha Rock IPA, and Emerald Isle Dry Irish Stout. islandhoppinbrewery.com
Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery | Martha’s Vineyard
Just seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts is the iconic island of Martha’s Vineyard with six small towns and more than 120 miles of shoreline. At Bad Martha’s Farmer’s Brewery, the beer offers a glimpse of a paradise where you can kick off your boat shoes and leave your off-island worries behind. Beers include Martha’s Vineyard Extra Special Bitter, Mischievous Mermaid New England IPA, and Vineyard Summer Ale. badmarthabeer.com
Kauai Island Brewing Co. | Kauai
Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is famous for its natural beauty, lush landscape, and waterfalls (Jurassic Park was filmed there). Kauai Island Brewing Co. is the world’s westernmost brewery, offering up Captain Cook’s IPA, Wai’Ale’Ale Golden Ale, Leilani Light, and more. The team brews with local ingredients such as passion fruit and taro. The beers pair perfectly with the ocean- and Hawaiian-inspired food menu made with locally sourced ingredients: ahi poke, beer-battered fish tacos, fish & chips with papaya-chili tartar sauce, and Hawaiian-roasted Kalua pork sandwich with house-made fries served with sweet guava-chili ketchup. kauaiislandbrewing.com
Barrier Island Brewing | St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island is off the coast of Georgia and is the largest barrier island in the Golden Isles. The goal of Barrier Island Brewing is to bring its love for Coastal Georgia to the craft beer community. A wide variety of beers are brewed, including Port Side Porter, Pelican Spit Pilsner, Beachview Blonde, and Golden Ray IPA. bibssi.com
Outer Banks Brewing Station | Outer Banks
With more than 100 miles of beaches in the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina’s Outer Banks is America’s first seashore and one of the country’s first colonies. Outer Banks Brewing Station is a wind-powered brewery with a wide variety of styles, from Lemon Grass Wheat Ale to a Belgian Strong Ale. Here you’ll find Carolina specialties such as barbecue with house-made slaw, shrimp & grits, and hushpuppies, along with wings, burgers, bratwurst, and jackfruit birria tacos.obbrewing.com
Kodiak Island Brewing | Kodiak Island
Kodiak Island is the second-largest island in the U.S., located off the coast of Alaska and home to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and thousands of Kodiak brown beers.
Located in downtown Kodiak, Kodiak Island Brewing makes Trip Advisor’s top five things to do there. Beers on tap are a mix of flagships and rotating options, such as Snowshoe Pale, North Pacific Scottish-Style Ale, and Termination Point Spruce Tip IPA. kodiakbrewery.com
Islamorada Beer Company | Islamorada
Located in the Florida Keys, Islamorada is a go-to spot for fishing and boating. Islamorada Beer Company’s brews reflect that love of sport fishing with Go Fish American Lager, No Wake Zone Coconut Key Lime Blonde Ale, Czech Your Bait Czech Pilsner, Angler House Red Ale, and more. Since it’s also a distillery, there are also cocktails on tap and a frozen Key lime pie cocktail. Islamoradabeerco.com
San Juan Island Brewing Company | San Juan Island
San Juan Island is the second-largest island off the coast of Northwest Washington, just below Orcas Island. The goal of San Juan Island Brewing Company was to create a place where islanders could gather and connect as a community. Pizzas and burgers are served alongside Harbor Hefeweizen, Outer Island IPA, and Sundew Summer Ale. sanjuanbrew.com/
Waterfront Brewery | Key West
The southernmost island in the Florida Keys is Key West, just 90 miles north of Cuba. It’s known for beautiful scenery, the home of Ernest Hemingway, Dry Tortugas National Park, and a bustling nightlife. On Waterfront Brewery’s rotating beer list, you’ll see brews such as Island Life Lager, Passionfruit Shandy, and Lighthouse Lager. Island specialties include a mahi-mahi sandwich, seafood ceviche, locally smoked fish dip, conch chowder, fried shrimp, and of course, Key lime pie. thewaterfrontbrewery.com
Padre Island Brewing Company | South Padre Island
Padre Island is in Southern Texas along the Gulf of Mexico and is the longest barrier island in the world. Since fishing is a favorite island pastime, at Padre Island Brewing, the kitchen team will actually cook your catch—broiled, fried, or blackened. Or you can just enjoy their extensive menu of Gulf Coast crab cakes, beer-battered shrimp, filet of snapper, seared ahi tuna, and more. Pair your choice with Tidal Wave Wheat or Padre Island Pale Ale. pibrewingcompany.com
Hilton Head Brewing Patio
Hilton Head Brewing Company | Hilton Head
Famously known for golf courses, Hilton Head in South Carolina has 12 miles of beaches and plenty to do. Mainstay brews at Hilton Head Brewing Company include Tropical Lager, Folly 2X DIPA, and Crab Pilsner. For eats, the brewery offers local snacks such as boiled peanuts, crab & artichoke dip, IPA beer cheese dip, and burritos. hhbrewingco.com
Hilo Brewing Company | Island of Hawai’i
The island of Hawai’i, also known as the Big Island, is the largest of the Hawaiian islands and home to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Many of the beers at Hilo Brewing Company, located on the east side of the island, are in honor of things that are special to the Island of Hawai’i. Mauna Kea Pale Ale is named after one of Hawaii’s mountains, Volcano Pale Ale for the active volcanoes on the island, and Hawaiian Crow Porter for the Alala-Hawaiian crow. hilobrewing.com
Galveston Island Brewery | Galveston Island
About 50 miles southeast of Houston is Galveston Island, a Gulf Coast barrier island with 32 miles of beaches. A top tourist destination is Galveston Island Brewery, just one block away from the beach. It brews the “Official Beer of Galveston,” Tiki Wheat, along with Flip Flop Pale Lager, Mardi Gras Blonde, and Loggerhead Lager, of which a portion of proceeds benefits the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, helping to protect sea turtles and their vital habitats. galvestonislandbrewing.com
Alameda Island Brewing Company | Alameda Island
Alameda Island is in the San Francisco Bay Area and just over a 20-minute ferry ride away from San Francisco. Here you can enjoy shoreline parks and picnic areas, views of the San Francisco skyline, and more. At Alameda Island Brewing, you’ll find a vast array of beers, including some non-traditional and Filipino-inspired offerings, such as a Pilsner with Calamansi (a Filipino citrus fruit) and a Pineapple Saison. alamedaislandbrewing.com
Hana Koa Brewing Co. | O’ahu
Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, is located on the island of O’ahu, home to popular beaches, surfing, and a bustling nightlife. Along with a rotating tap list, Hana Koa Brewing Co. offers a full bar serving Mai Tais, Lilikoi Mules, and house margaritas. Bites include house pickles spiced with Hawaiian chili peppers, loco moco, panko fried tofu with ginger sesame sauce, and Hawaiian sweet bread French toast for brunch. hanakoabrewing.com
