Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. Innovation Brewmaster Tom Bleigh Talks Drifter Pale

We spoke with Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. Innovation Brewmaster Tom Bleigh about Drifter Pale.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
Drinkability, every day beer.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Everyday ale– unique tangerine and gooseberry hop attributes.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
Augustiner Helles if he had to pick one – Tom loves variety though and would likely try and build his own brewery on the island and make beers out of what is there.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
The use of Nelson Sauvin hops in this beer help bring out flavor notes of white grape skin and gooseberry– The most interesting part of the redevelopment of Drifter was reimagining the recipe for a mature beer audience. It was interesting to capture what flavors, hop notes and malt variations the modern audience gravitated towards vs what the older recipe was built off of.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Grilled Meats: Grilled chicken , Sausage,  Steak. Carne Asada Tacos.