Jackie O's Brewery Director of Brewing Operations Seth Morton Talks Dark Apparition

We spoke with Jackie O's Brewery Director of Brewing Operations Seth Morton Talks Dark Apparition.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
Our former Director of Brewing Operations, Brad Clark, came up with the original recipe for Dark Apparition in 2007. Over the last 12 years, we’ve tweaked the recipe a little bit here and there, while still staying true to Dark Apparition's roots.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
Dark Apparition is all about the malt, and that’s my favorite part. I love strong, malty beers, and Dark Apparition is my favorite we’ve ever done.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
The name Dark Apparition is a nod to the haunted history of Athens, Ohio.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
It’s not necessarily the beer I’d choose to be stuck on an island with, but if I had to pick the last beer I’d drink before I die, I’d ask for a Dark Apparition.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
I have a close personal relationship with Dark Apparition. It was the first beer I helped Brad Clark mash in at our brewpub eight years ago. A pour from that batch was the beer I was drinking when we watched, on local access television at the Brewpub, Jackie O's owner Art Oestrike go in front of city council to ask for a zoning variance that would allow us to build our production brewery. I had a few that night after city council gave us the green light. It was the first Imperial Stout I brewed as a professional brewer. It’s a wonderful canvas for exploring barrel-aging and adjunct treatments. Dark Apparition has my heart forever.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
On the savory side, I’d go for low-and-slow coffee-rubbed brisket. For a dessert, German Chocolate Cake is a lovely pairing with Dark Apparition.

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