On Wednesday, September 11, the Acton 250 Committee hosted a launch of the commemorative Isaac Davis Brown Ale at Dirigible Brewing Company located at 24 Porter Road in neighboring Littleton (a brewery on Porter Road… how about that?!). The ale was crafted by Dirigible’s head brewer, Colin Knirk, who led tours of the facility for attendees.
The Acton 250 Committee, created to plan commemorative community events for the 250th anniversary of the commencement of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775, requested an original ale by the new brewery. Knirk did not follow a colonial recipe for the Isaac Davis brew, but did research the process of ale making in colonial times. A bit of smoked grain mimics the wood fire drying process, and caramel malt mimics the inefficiency of colonial malting. The recipe includes nine gallons of molasses.
Dirigible is a micro-brewery, a designation owing to its independence more than its small size, that has been open since November of 2022. Knirk explained that the brewing process of a batch, about ten barrels, starts with the production of “wort,” which is known as “pre-beer.” There are about thirty-one gallons in a barrel, and the head brewer makes a batch about once per week, although it could be as many as 2-3 times a week. The process of brewing follows some fairly straightforward steps, but slight alterations in the ingredients can create an astounding variety of beverages. The basic steps are: make a mash, boil it, cool it, and ferment it. Some of the solid waste goes to a local farmer for cattle feed. Knirk reports that “the cows love it!” Dirigible brews are sold at local restaurants and stores, including Acton’s Idylwilde Farms on Central Street. The products include kegs, cans, and bottles.
The Acton Minutemen eagerly answered the call to try the ale at last week’s launch, and offered the crowd a firearms demonstration in the parking lot outside. Following the musket volleys, former captain of the company and Acton 250 Committee member Steve Crosby encouraged spectators to head back inside the brewery, remarking, “Now, we don’t know if Isaac Davis liked brown ale, but we do!”
Isaac Davis was Captain of Acton’s Minutemen company. The company was well-trained and outfitted, and as a result, was selected to lead the advance at the Battle of the North Bridge in Concord on April 19, 1775. Captain Davis was killed that morning.
If you missed the launch, there are a couple of upcoming opportunities to try this new ale. The Acton Memorial Library is hosting a Colonial Books and Brews event, funded by the Memorial Library Foundation and the Acton Lions Club, on Tuesday, October 1 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.. Entry is free and includes music and food; beer and merchandise will be available for purchase. Once again, the Acton Minutemen will be on hand, as well as displays and tastings of 18th century foods, including chocolate. Readers will also want to be present for the unveiling of the Davis Plow Exhibit Mural.
Also, Iron Work Farm, Inc., the non-profit organization that acts as caretaker of the Jones Tavern and Faulkner Homestead in South Acton, is holding their Annual Meeting and Open Tap Room on Sunday, October 5 at 5 High Street. The Isaac Davis Brown Ale, and three other Dirigible brews, will be on tap. More information and tickets can be found at www.ironworkfarm.org.
Alissa Nicol is Community Events Reporter for the Acton Exchange, and a member of the Acton Select Board.
