Known as Preservation Ale, this distinct beer was crafted using an 18-year-old recipe and features yeast microbes found in a 220-year-old bottle of beer. The base beer was found in the hold of the Sydney Cove wreck during excavations by marine archaeologists in the 90s. The beer found on the wreck then ended up in the hands of David Thurrowgood, a conservator and chemist at the Queen Victoria Museum at Launceston who extracted the yeast microbes to craft his own beer.
In terms of flavor, Preservation Ale is said to have a sweet taste, and some drinkers have even noted a fresh taste to the beer. This unique flavor is most likely brought on by the yeast as the recipe doesn't call for the use of any fruits. Preservation Ale is currently available in limited qualities at James Squires brewhouses and Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery in Launceston, Tasmania.
220-Year-Old Beers
Preservation Ale Features Centuries Old Yeast
Trend Themes
1. Centuries-old Beer Recipes - Crafting beer using ancient recipes and yeast microbes presents an opportunity for creating unique and nostalgic flavors.
2. Preservation and Conservation Brewing - Utilizing archaeological findings and scientific techniques to preserve and extract yeast microbes for brewing unlocks the potential for innovative beers with historical significance.
3. Limited Edition Heritage Beers - Producing small-batch beers with ingredients and recipes from the past allows breweries to offer exclusive and sought-after beverages that cater to niche markets.
Industry Implications
1. Craft Beer - Craft beer breweries can tap into the trend for centuries-old beer recipes to differentiate their offerings and attract adventurous beer enthusiasts.
2. Archaeology and Brewing - Collaboration between archaeologists and breweries in the preservation and extraction of yeast microbes presents innovative opportunities at the intersection of science, history, and brewing.
3. Museum and Brewery Partnerships - Partnering with museums and cultural institutions to create limited edition heritage beers provides breweries with a unique marketing opportunity while showcasing historical artifacts.