RJ ROCKERS BREWERY – Spartanburg, South Carolina
In 1997, RJ Rockers became Spartanburg’s first brewery when owner and brewer Mark Johnsen set out on a mission to provide the people of the Upstate with the best microbrewed beer they had ever previously tasted. For years, Mark had enjoyed brewing for family and friends. Following his tour of service in the 1991 Gulf War, he was stationed in Germany, and he took this opportunity to learn as much as possible about brewing from the experts. By the time he was honorably discharged from the service, he was ready to go public with his brewing expertise.
Mark established RJ Rockers Brewing Company as a brewpub in Spartanburg’s historic downtown Morgan Square, and over the course of the next five years, RJ Rockers became a favorite downtown meeting place. Loyal patrons could order up any one of several brews while enjoying the atmosphere, food and all else offered there. After five years, the transition was made from a brewpub to a microbrewery.
Your favorite Beer of the Month Club pondered just what selections to choose for you this month from RJ Rockers, where special attention is given to preserving the environment, conserving energy, and using only top grade ingredients. The establishment’s slogan is: “Handcrafted: Every Beer. Every Drop. Every Time.” Here’s what we chose for you:
Brown Eyed Squirrel Brown Ale is a traditional English-style brown ale, but with more body. Its deep brown color comes from a combination of Chocolate and Black malts. Tall, dark, handsome and smooth, it’s the perfect cure for the dreaded Domestic Beer Blahs.
Hop Quake IPA is a delightful balance of caramel maltiness, and both hop bitterness and flavor. Five malt varieties and flaked oats combine to provide a sturdy foundation for the three types of hops added at various times during the boil. This India Pale Ale has a slight earthy bitterness with a citrus, floral hop and powerful aroma. It’s good clean fun!
Featured Beer from RJ Rockers Brewery: Brown Eyed Squirrel Brown Ale & Hop Quake IPA www.rjrockers.com
BROWN ALE — RJ Rocker’s Brown Eyed Squirrel Brown Ale: A great beer for all beer drinkers, especially ones looking for something unusual and complex in a top fermented beer. Serve this traditional English-style brown ale with rare beef, smoked cheese, burgers or smoked fish. Chocolate and black malt flavors bring out the best in these foods.
INDIA PALE ALE —RJ Rocker’s Hop Quake IPA: Made bitter and strong to survive the long boat trip, the IPA was originally brewed for British soldiers stationed in India. Generously malted and hopped, this one offers a marked sweet caramel maltiness. Enjoy this warming, top-fermented dark brew with seafood and all things spicy or grilled.
