A
World’s Most Interesting Beer Has
Southern Accent
Tennessee-Brewed
"Famous Flaming Stone Beer"
Wins Recognition in Ultimate Beer
One of
the most interesting beers in the world
is brewed in a region far better known for
blues, country music and barbecue. "Famous
Flaming Stone," brewed by Memphis and
Nashville-based Boscos is featured in Michael
Jackson’s new book, Ultimate Beer.
Boscos’ staff is thrilled that beer
and spirits expert, Michael Jackson included
their brew among internationally recognized
beers.
"Michael Jackson is to beer what Robert
Parker is to wines. He’s the ultimate
connoisseur and critic and to be included
among his ultimate beers is one of the greatest
compliments possible," said Boscos
Brewmaster Chuck Skypeck. "We’ve
been perfecting our craft for almost two
decades. We’re two of only three breweries
in the world currently producing a commercial
steinbier like Famous Flaming Stone"
Boscos Famous Flaming Stone Beer is what
is known as a steinbier, or stone beer.
Red-hot pieces of pink Colorado granite
are heated to 700 degrees in Boscos wood
fired oven and lowered into the wort (unfermented
beer) during the brewing process. The resulting
steam and sizzle caramelizes sugars in the
wort. The result is a sweeter, softer tasting
beer with a caramel undertone.
Boscos is the first North American brewery
regularly making a stone beer, the original
being Rauchenfels in Neustadt, Germany.
Boscos began brewing Famous Flaming Stone
Beer in 1993. The brewing procedure varies
between Boscos’ locations. In Memphis,
caramels formed on the granite are preserved
and stored while the beer is fermented.
When it is ready to be filtered, the caramels
are rinsed off into the beer, where they
are present in the finished product. In
Nashville, the caramels are not rinsed off,
but allowed to build up and burned when
the stone is heated again. This lends the
Nashville variation a slightly smokier taste.
Famous Flaming Stone Beer is one of nearly
two dozen beers Boscos brews each year,
some changing seasonally. Regular beers
on the menu include Boscos Bombay IPA, Germantown
Alt, Midtown Brown, Isle of Skye Scottish
Ale, London Porter as well as their award
winning Cask
Conditioned Ale.
In Michael Jackson’s Pocket Guide
to Beer, he gives Famous Flaming Stone Beer
three stars and says it is "worth seeking
out." Jackson says the beer pairs especially
well with smoked foods. Visit his web
site.