New Imperial American Tripel: Iron Hill Brewery's FE 15

by The Drink Nation on Oct 12, 2011 in Beer

Photo: Bobby Douglas (Newark Assistant Brewer), Mark Edelson (Partner and Director of Brewing), Kevin Davies (Partner and Director of Culinary), Justin Sproul, (Newark Head Brewer), Kevin Finn (Partner and President)

When drinking buddies Kevin Davies, Mark Edelson and Kevin Finn opened their first brewpub in Newark, DE in 1996, they had big dreams. What happened over the past 15 years surpassed even that vision. Their successful local chain now has 750 employees working at eight locations across three states (with a ninth branch on the way). In early October, for the 15th year in a row, Iron Hill offerings won medals at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival. This autumn, the three owners gathered at their original locale to brew a 15th anniversary commemorative beer dubbed FE 15 (Fe being the chemical symbol for “iron”), and we tagged along for a behind-the-scenes look.

Due to be released mid-November, FE 15 is an Imperial American Tripel, a style the partners are proud to pioneer. Two types of yeast will convert pilsner malt into brew: a Trappist Belgian Abbey and a Champagne variety. Five different US-grown hops will add flavor and bite. The ale will end up at awhopping 15% ABV, a number that first made Edelson was a bit wary, until Finn twisted his arm by repeating the mantra, “15 years, 15 percent! Hell, yeah!”

To achieve this, 650 pounds of grain were mashed into 120 gallons of water. The trio swapped dress shirts for tees and took turns stirring the boiling mixture, each becoming soaked with perspiration before handing off the wooden paddle to the next partner. Every Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has its own master brewer, and Newark’s Justin Stroul was on hand to direct and fine-tune the brewing process.

FE 15 will be on draft at all eight locations (Newark, DE; Wilmington, DE; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; North Wales, PA; Phoenixville, PA; Lancaster, PA; and Maple Shade, NJ) and will also be sold for $24.50 in cork-finished 750 ml bottles for take-home enjoyment.

Bonus: check out this video of the Iron Hill team celebrating the GABF wins.

Photos by Danya Henninger

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close