The boys at the Tap Room have been cooking something up, for months: Island Summer Ale. It’s on island now.
"It is a light refreshing summer beer perfect for our Caribbean climate," said Chirag Vyas (aka Cheech) and Kevin Chipman, owners of two-year-old St. John Brewers. "It’s a recipe we’ve had in our files for a long time, and it just seemed right."
The beer is produced under contract by Shipyard Brewing in Portland, Maine and then shipped by container. "They brew to our recipe, and don’t change a thing," Vyas added. The first cases of "Island Summer Ale" were cleared through Customs in the past week.
The brewers, who also own the Tap Room, worked about six weeks in their brewing room at Mongoose Junction to get the blend right. "We went well after midnight some nights," Vyas added, "It gets pretty hot in there with all the burners going."
Distribution of the new brew is underway now and a "launch party" on a beach is planned.
In this week’s St. John Podcast, Cheech and Kevin talking about developing their second beer in two years.
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I tried Island Summer Ale while vacationing on St John and St Thomas a few months ago – and fell in LOVE with it!!! I live in Syracuse, New York and HAVE to find out where I can purchase the beer of my dreams locally – PLEASE HELP!
I am visiting Island Summer Ale this summer.