Event

Hop Chef: Speed Date

In 2000, Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sullivan opened the doors to the 21st Amendment brewpub in San Francisco’s historic South Park neighborhood. Since their opening, they’ve expanded their production and joined us in San Leandro as our friendly neighbor brewery, all while enticing the beer world with their witty names and delicious brews. We got to hang out with Shaun and brewer Jaron Shepherd while they brewed their Hop Chef beer.

Jaron was on hand for the Hop Chef drawing and he wound up with dates. While other breweries had pegged dates as an undesirable ingredient, Jaron and Shaun “embraced the dates.” In fact, this is not 21st Amendment’s first time brewing with dates. Their collaboration with Ninkasi, Allies Win the War, was a delicious strong ale aged on California dates. Although familiar with the fruit, Jaron decided to go in different direction than before. “We’re brewing a Belgian style Dubbel, using French hops, and a Belgian yeast called 007.” In the end the beer should have light spicy and fruity aromas, with toffee and soft caramel tones from the dates. Shaun adds that the beer will be “complex yet very drinkable. We’re really excited about this project.” And we’re really excited to drink it!

And what have they decided to call this drinkable Belgian beer? “Speed Date.” Grab a speed date here.