In the days preceding the American Revolution, colonists were fed up with over-taxed ale imported from England and started to brew their own beer at home.  To honor these “beer revolutionaries,” Redhook Brewery and the American Independence Museum are introducing introduce a special limited-release brew called “American Independence Ale.” Redhook Brewery’s team of craft brewers have created a medium-bodied pale ale with locally grown and malted barley and hops as part of their Brewery Backyard Series.  (Continued below)

The ale was created with historic Folsom Tavern in mind, as the tavern hosted many New Hampshire patriots in the days leading up to the American Revolution.  Colonel Samuel Folsom, a feisty veteran of the French and Indian Wars and a supporter of the patriots, built Folsom Tavern, part of the campus of the American Independence Museum and site of President George Washington’s visit in 1789, in 1775’ cause.  The sturdy building has been moved several times and was completely restored and re-opened in 2007.   It now rests at 164 Water Street in Exeter, New Hampshire.

Independence Ale Trail

Modern day patriots will travel back in time on May 17, when the brew is tapped for the first time at Folsom Tavern, the first stop of Exeter’s Independence Ale Trail.  Visitors are invited to the tavern, beginning at 5:30 p.m., where they may purchase a commemorative 16-ounce ceramic tankard  (free to museum members) and taste a ration of the refreshing brew.  With a trail map in hand, they’ll then stroll along historic Water Street to enjoy American Independence Ale at three other locations, including: Tavern at River’s Edge, 11 Water Street Restaurant, and the well-known Loaf & Ladle.

Ale Trailers will be able to enter a raffle by visiting each location and having their Ale Trail Card stamped.  No beer purchase is necessary and prizes will be given out between 7:30 and 8 p.m. at each location. All cards will be eligible for the Grand Prize, a pair of tickets to the American Craft Beer Fest, which will be held at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston on June 1 and 2.  The ACBF is the East Coast’s largest celebration of American beer and features over 120 brewers and over 500 beers.

American Independence Ale will be available on draught at select “beer-centric restaurants and bars” in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.  Locals will also be able to enjoy it at the following events: Redhook Brewery’s official launch at the brewery on May 27; during the Exeter Criterium bicycle race on June 26; in the beer tent at the American Independence Festival on July 21; and at Redhook Brewery’s annual Operation: Thank You, New England’s largest military appreciation event on July 29.  Additional events are being planned as well.

About the American Independence Museum

The American Independence Museum was created in 1991 following the discovery of a rare Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence under the attic floorboards of the Ladd-Gilman House.  The broadside was printed on July 4, 1776, and the poster-sized copies were sent throughout the colonies to spread word of the break from England.  It is one of 26 copies known to exist in the world, out of approximately 200 printed.

The non-profit museum is located in the Seacoast town of Exeter at One Governors and is open for tours from May 16 to October 27.  With a mission to connect America’s Revolutionary past to the present, the museum holds special events, school tours, summer camps, and adult education programs throughout the year.  For more information on the museum, membership or upcoming events, please call 603-772-2622 or visit www.independencemusem.org.

About Redhook

Redhook was born out of the energy and spirit of the early 80s in the heart of Seattle. While the term didn’t exist at the time, Redhook became one of America’s first “craft” breweries. From a modest start in a former transmission shop in the Seattle neighborhood of Ballard, to the current breweries in Woodinville, Wash., and Portsmouth, N.H., Redhook has become one of America’s most recognized craft breweries. While Redhook has “grown up” during the past 30 years, one thing has never changed – Redhook is still brewing great beers like ESB, IPA, Copperhook, Pilsner and seasonal brews. Most importantly, Redhook makes sure to have fun doing it.   Redhook's beers are available both on draught and in bottles around the country. For more information, visit www.redhook.com.