Garage Brewing Brewmaster Guy Bartmess Talks Apple Pie Pale Ale

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
Like many of the beers we craft it was a collaborative effort.  My pub brewer at the time, Joe Flores, and I developed this beer’s profile as a Fall seasonal.  We were attempting to create something that wouldn’t die off so heavily like other beers can, such as Pumpkin beers, Oktoberfest Lagers, and Christmas Ales.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
The most common comment from people is “It tastes just like apple pie”.  And that’s exactly what we were going for.  A beer that emulates the classic balance of sweet, apple, and cinnamon. 

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
The dessert pie.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
No, but the underlying beer style is close to my desert island beer.  This is a well-crafted English Pale Ale.  I lean more towards a classic American Pale Ale.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Apple pie, but you don’t have a plate to clean.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
No, besides the fact that I’ve always preferred pie on my birthdays instead of cake.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
I’d go with apple pie.

Read Review