One of the things we are passionate about here at Ravenwood Castle and the Malted Meeple is craft beer. We pride ourselves on having an excellent assortment of craft beers for the enjoyment of our guests. We’re thrilled to launch a new monthly blog feature, the Brewer’s Spotlight, in which we raise our pints to the men and women who dedicate themselves to the brewing craft.
In our inaugural Brewer’s Spotlight we raise our pints to the folks from Heavy Seas, creator of some of our favorite brews!
Founded in Maryland in 1995, Heavy Seas sports a pirate logo, which to the folks of the brewery represents a certain swagger, a lifestyle, an attitude. The company sees the ocean as one of man’s greatest challenges and most inspiring adventures. They invite all adventurers, risk-takers, rebels, and those who have the courage and character to challenge what life has to offer to join their crew. Climb Aboard!
Heavy Seas’ founder, Hugh Sisson, was one such adventurous individual. He not only opened Maryland’s first brewpub, he actively worked to change the laws in the state to allow small breweries to exist. He literally had to have the existing laws rewritten to accommodate his unique trailblazing dreams! Eventually he sold his brewpub to pursue an even bigger dream, opening a production brewery in 1995. The company still uses many of its original recipes to this very day, and they still taste great.
The origin of the name “Heavy Seas” has its own interesting history. Years ago, when the company was called Clipper City Brewing Co., they were experimenting with more modern higher-gravity beers. The name Heavy Seas Beer fit with the theme of adventure and individuality that set craft breweries apart from the rest. The Heavy Seas brand became so popular, that the company eventually renamed the company after their line of beers. What was once Clipper City has been Heavy Seas ever since 2010.
In their own words, “We walk a fine line between tradition and innovation. We don’t try to make every wacky beer that pops into our head. . .Think of us as a big dog: We’re confident enough not to run around yapping all the time, but we still like to play with our toys. . ..” Heavy Seas traditional lineup includes many solid favorites, and their innovative beers reflect the maturity, experience, and expertise of a brewery with over twenty years in the industry.
Heavy Seas flagship beer – and their most popular seller – is Loose Cannon. This American Style IPA is extremely well balanced with a solid malt backbone and sweetness to perfectly balance the hop bitterness. Over three pounds of hops per barrel are added to Loose Cannon. Loose Cannon focuses on the aroma and flavor of the hops as opposed to the traditional bitterness of many IPAs.
Heavy Seas Tropi Cannon is new to the 2017 lineup as a year-round brew. It is also a Malted Meeple favorite! As you might imagine, Tropi Cannon is the tropical version of Heavy Seas Loose Cannon. Tropi Cannon offers an aroma that smells of sunshine and freedom, and a taste that features blood orange, mango, grapefruit, and lemon peel. It’s a delectable explosion of aroma and flavor!
Heavy Seas also offers a range of seasonal beers, including their most sought after, Siren Noire. This Belgian Chocolate Imperial Stout is aged in bourbon barrels for eight weeks. During that time, over three pounds of Cocoa nibs and vanilla beans are added to the beer as it ages. The result is a 9.5% ABV brew that drinks as smooth as silk with a delicious chocolate character.
Since 2016, Heavy Seas has collaborated with several breweries as part of their “Partner Ships” program. They have collaborated with Maine Brewing, Troeges, Terrapin, Stone, and Union so far. This year they are collaborating with Cigar City and Madtree from Cincinnati. The beer they are working on will be a coffee-infused Wee Heavy which should release sometime in November.
Throughout the month of June, we will be proudly featuring Heavy Seas Tropi Cannon on draft, and Heavy Seas Peg Leg Imperial Stout in bottles. So weigh anchor and set sail for The Malted Meeple or Ravenwood Castle and enjoy some delicious brews from our friends at Heavy Seas!
Karington Hess is a lifelong gamer whose passions for hospitality and all things game-related led him to Ravenwood Castle, where he served as an Innkeeper before joining The Malted Meeple. When not pouring beers, crafting milkshakes, or teaching boardgames, Karington can be found behind the DM’s screen, weaving intricate stories for his fellow gamers.