KettleHouse Brewing Cellar Lead Zach Nelson Talks Fresh Bongwater Hemp Ale

We spoke with KettleHouse Brewing Co. cellar lead Zach Nelson about Fresh Bongwater Hemp Ale.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
A local bar owner, Kevin Head, wanted a porter that he could name Bongwater. Our owner, Tim O’Leary, came up with a recipe that included hemp seed and they named it Olde Bongwater. About a year later, he also came up with a lighter summer ale counterpart named Fresh Bongwater®.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
My favorite aspect is the nuttiness in the aroma and the flavor that is attributable to the hemp. Also, the drinkability of this beer is amazing due to its low IBU levels and smooth flavor.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
The name for the beer was created as a summer seasonal response to the already named winter seasonal Olde Bongwater Hemp Porter.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Smooth and drinkable summertime brew with creamy, malt-forward nuttiness.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
Fresh Bongwater® Hemp Ale is a Missoula, MT staple and is one of our most popular taproom beers. We just started canning this beer in late 2016 and coincidentally released it on the same day that Snoop Dogg and his Puff Puff Pass Tour played in Missoula.  

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
I believe a great food pairing is a good old-fashioned cheeseburger, especially while watching some live music at the incredibly picturesque KettleHouse Amphitheater on the banks of the Blackfoot River!

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