USA: Brewers in 35 states serve Poor Richard's Ale on Ben Franklin's Birthday

Poor Richard's Ale, the beer brewed to commemorate Benjamin Franklin's 300th birthday on January 17th, will be served at nearly 100 breweries in 35 states across the country according to the Brewers Association announcement of January 3.

"Craft brewers all over America have joined together to make and serve Poor Richard's Ale for Benjamin Franklin's 300th birthday," said Ray Daniels, Director of Craft Beer Marketing for the Brewers Association. "The widespread unity of this effort among brewers recalls the coming together of America's colonies to form a new nation under Franklin's influence."

Poor Richard's Ale emulates the beers of Franklin's day by including molasses and corn, two distinctly American ingredients. The recipe was chosen by brewers and historians in October and then distributed so that each brewer could make a batch in time for January. The name of the ale comes from Franklin's well-known publication, Poor Richard's Almanack published by Franklin in the mid-1700s.

As of January 3, 2006, 99 sites in 35 states were registered as Poor Richard's Ale locations with additional sites expected by the end of the year.

05 January, 2006