grittyblog

January 29, 2009
Gritty’s “Master Brewer for Day” makes fantastic new beer

Portland, ME – January 29, 2009 –Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a brewer at Maine’s original brew pub? Well, Mike Spadinger of South Portland found out. Mike recently spent one day as the “Master Brewer” at Gritty’s Portland Brew Pub.  But his story started last autumn at the annual STRIVE Auction.

Last fall, Samuel Heck, the Director of Development and Community Relations at PSL STRIVE in South Portland approached Gritty McDuff’s to ask if Gritty’s could donate something for their annual auction.
“I wanted something really unique and something that would attract some high bidding,” said Sam. “So, I asked Gritty’s if they could donate a “Master Brewer for a Day” opportunity and they said sure”.

The bidding was fierce for the opportunity to be a Master Brewer for a Day at Gritty’s but in the end Mike had the winning bid. Fast forward to January; Mike spent his day working with Ben Low, one of Gritty’s Brewers at the Portland Brew Pub. They spent the day discussing the brewing process and developing a style of beer that could be made with type of yeast, grains & hops that Gritty’s uses. Mike and Ben came up with a unique red ale that Mike named in honor of his son, whose nickname is “Rascal”.
“Strive Rascal’s Red Ale” is currently being served as a cask conditioned ale and will be served on tap only in the Portland Brew Pub starting Friday, February 20th. This beer will be served until this small batch of special ale is gone. Gritty’s is donating 25 cents from every pint of Strive Rascal Red Ale to STRIVE.

The STRIVE Program of PSL Services is designed to address the many issues faced by young adults (ages 15-24) with disabilities. Areas that we focus on include: improving fundamental academic skills, developing leadership potential, improving economic opportunities through continuing education, enhancing or upgrading work skills, integrating literary and social skills into occupational/vocational opportunities, fostering career opportunities through education and training, and promoting peer support for parents and siblings of this young population.