Fox River Brewing & Gardina's Team Up for a Firkin Tonight

The 17th installment of Gardina’s Beer Bar series happens tonight. This one is special. At 6 p.m. Gardina’s will tap into a firkin of Fox River Brewing Company's 20th Anniversary Ale.

This is a hoppy, red ale with brew-kettle additions of wildflower and buckwheat honey. The beer was then dry hopped in the firkin with citra and mosaic hops. There’s more: at this moment, the beer is being conditioned on additions of pineapple and papaya. At 10% ABV, this promises to be a big beer in every way.

I talked with Kevin Bowen, brewmaster at Fox River, last week. He said this may be his most adventurous cask. “It really has some interesting flavors coming through,” Bowen says.

The beer isn’t the only thing special here. This marks the first time Fox River Brewing has tapped a firkin of its beer in a neighboring Oshkosh tavern or restaurant. And Kevin Bowen will be on hand for the event. He’s a personable, approachable guy. Don’t hesitate to step up and get to know your local brewer. See you there…