Senate Beer is a historic brand that gained popularity in the 1890s and managed to survive the dark times of Prohibition. It was produced until 1956 and has recently been revived by Right Proper Brewery in Washington, D.C. The revival of Senate Beer was no small feat, as it required a meticulous analysis of a 20-page laboratory report from 1948. By utilizing this valuable resource, Right Proper Brewery was able to recreate the beloved DC hometown favorite.
One of the key aspects that make Senate Beer so special is its corn lager base. Corn lagers were quite popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Senate Beer was no exception. The use of corn in the brewing process adds a distinct sweetness and smoothness to the beer, giving it a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other lagers.
During Prohibition, many breweries were forced to shut down or switch to producing non-alcoholic beverages. However, Senate Beer managed to survive through these challenging times, which is a testament to its popularity and the demand for its product. It's fascinating to think about the resilience of this brand and the dedication of its loyal customers who continued to support it even when alcohol was prohibited.
The revival of Senate Beer by Right Proper Brewery is a labor of love and a tribute to the rich brewing history of Washington, D.C. By examining the detailed laboratory report from 1948, the brewers were able to gain insights into the precise recipe and brewing techniques used back then. This allowed them to recreate Senate Beer as authentically as possible, capturing the essence of the original brew.
It's worth noting that the alcohol by volume (ABV) of Senate Beer is 4.7%. This moderate ABV makes it a sessionable beer, meaning that it can be enjoyed in multiple servings without overwhelming the palate or causing excessive intoxication. This makes Senate Beer a great option for social gatherings or occasions where you want to savor a flavorful beer without feeling too heavy or impaired.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting Senate Beer during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. The experience was like stepping back in time and getting a glimpse into the beer-drinking culture of the early 20th century. The corn lager base provided a smooth and slightly sweet foundation, while the overall flavor profile was well-balanced and refreshing.
Senate Beer is a historic brand that has been revived by Right Proper Brewery in Washington, D.C. It was popularized in the 1890s, survived Prohibition, and was produced until 1956. The revival process involved analyzing a 20-page laboratory report from 1948 to recreate the authentic taste of this DC hometown favorite. With a moderate ABV of 4.7%, Senate Beer offers a sessionable option for beer enthusiasts who appreciate the rich brewing history and unique flavor profile that corn lagers bring to the table.