“Raising a glass is nothing new at any celebration, but those who want to salute Rotterdam’s Bicentennial now can do it in style with a pint of Heritage 1820 beer.
The pilsner is one of the latest creations from Back Barn Brewery in Duanesburg, created at the request of members of the Rotterdam Bicentennial Committee. Brewery owner Brenda Schworm and brew master Klaus Kuhland unveiled the pilsner Tuesday night to the public.
Jim Schaefer, town historian and Bicentennial Committee member, made the introduction between the two parties.
“We were thinking all kinds of liquor, wine, beer, distilled spirits, but we stuck with the beer,” Schaefer said at Back Barn Brewery Tuesday night. “I came out here just on a lark, met Brenda asked if they’ve ever done this?
“We would like something that is dated like early, 1820, something in the Colonial era and that got Klaus thinking.”
All the ingredients for the commemorative beer came together beginning last fall.
Schworm and Kuhland came across a farmer in Cherry Valley who asked if they had a use for a heritage hops from his farm.
“By virtue of their longevity, they are disease and mildew resistant more so than other commercial varieties,” Kuhland explained. “That’s why there is an interest in it because it is easier to grow, you don’t have to spray them as much, less to take care of, more chance that you are going to get a good crop.”
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Hudy, Stan. Schenectady Gazette 5 August 2020/