“One-off” is the term for a beer that a brewery has made one batch of, and may never make again. Sometimes a one-off is made in smaller batches but that’s not always the case. This Friday, December 10, brewers Cat Golden and Dave Alley of Mark Twain Brewing Company in Hannibal are hosting their first One Off Scotch Ale Release Party! at 5 p.m.
“This is our first one-off we’ve released. We’re brewing them regularly now and will release them in the taproom only. Our plan is to try to release one per month,” said Golden.
Scotch Ale is a strong ale that traces it’s roots back to Edinburgh. Mainly pale barley malt and moderate hopping, they can be compared to English Strong Ales or even Barley Wines. Those who get the chance to try Mark Twain’s version will enjoy intense caramel flavors; dried fruit, particularly figs and raisins. The ale is full-bodied and rich with a 10% ABV.
“Dave and I have always enjoyed the rich, caramel flavors of Scotch Ales, yet we had never brewed one. This time of year is perfect for the style, so we decided to make it our first one-off. We tasted the final product as we kegged it in preparation for Friday’s event and were very pleased with the result,” said Golden.
What’s next?
Besides the Scotch Ale, Mark Twain is also brewing a small-batch English-Style Barleywine (one of our favorite beer styles), which they plan to release during Valentine’s Day weekend. “We’re also creating a Russian Imperial Stout which we hope will be ready in March,” said Golden.
Golden and Alley are also brewing a ‘One-Off Belgian-Style Tripel for a public event called “Living Windows,” an annual event in downtown Hannibal as part of the Victorian Festival of Christmas. “We’re aiming for a late January release on that one,” said Golden.
Mark Twain Brewing Company is located in Hannibal, Missouri. Set your GPS for 422 N Main St, Hannibal, 63401 or click here to map using your location.
