Beer takes us on adventures, allowing us to discover new flavors and exotic cultures. We can thank Hugh Sisson and his Heavy Seas Brewery for encouraging us to let us roam free and explore on our way to finding great beer. Hugh’s life path detoured in 1980 as he took a ‘part-time position’ at his father’s newly opened family business, the Sisson’s Tavern. On his first day, his father passed him the keys and promptly walked out the door, leaving Hugh to run the business single-handedly.
As he cultivated the atmosphere of Sisson’s, he leaned on his travel experiences abroad, incorporating London’s flair with pub culture and beer. Sisson’s became the earliest true “beer bar” in town, focusing on imports and eventually, craft beers. In the mid-80’s, he and his father charted a course to convert the pub to a brewpub. Your favorite Beer of the Month Club is so glad they did!
Long story short: they moved to the East Coast, lobbied for a bill that legalized brewpubs in Maryland, and in 1989, became Maryland’s first. He then founded the tiny Clipper City Brewing in 1994 which grew, absorbing the Oxford Brewery, increasing in size and ability to add volume. In 2003, Heavy Seas was created, a combination of all. Today Heavy Seas’ primary challenge is to keep up with increasing demand! Hugh is known locally and nationally as a founding father of the National Brewer’s Assn., a voracious committeeman for all that’s beer related, a noted author, speaker, radio host and wine/beer/spirits reviewer.
Loose Cannon IPA, Sisson’s flagship brew, is a most fragrant IPA, bursting with grapefruit, herbs and pine. Subdued floral bitterness peaks the taste, and the mouthfeel is creamy. With a strong malt backbone, it won second place at the 2010 Great British Beer Festival.
UK Fuggles and Goldings hops make Powder Monkey Pale Ale flavorful, with notes of citrus and flowers. It’s well balance, distinctly bitter, slightly sweet. (Won Bronze at the World Beer Cup; Silver at GABF)
INDIA PALE ALE — Heavy Sea’s Loose Cannon IPA — There is a long snappy finish to this top fermented ale family of “beers of yesteryear.” Full bodied and heavily hopped, serve it at 55°F with hearty main courses of red meats, Pork and applesauce, Buffalo wings, Cheddar cheese, sharp salad dressing, and carrot cake for dessert.
PALE ALE —Heavy Sea’s Powder Monkey Pale Ale — Inspite of the name,these fruity, nutty, toasty flavored brews are golden to amber in color – this one’s brassy. Well balanced with distinct bitterness, serve with burgers, English cheese & bread pudding.
(THIS IS VERSION 2 OF HEAVY SEAS BREWERY DEEP 6 PORTER REPLACES POWDER MONKEY) HEAVY SEAS BREWERY Baltimore, Maryland
Beer takes us on adventures, allowing us to discover new flavors and exotic cultures. We can thank Hugh Sisson and his Heavy Seas Brewery for encouraging us to let us roam free and explore on our way to finding great beer. Hugh’s life path detoured in 1980 as he took a ‘part-time position’ at his father’s newly opened family business, the Sisson’s Tavern. On his first day, his father passed him the keys and promptly walked out the door, leaving Hugh to run the business single-handedly.
Cultivating Sisson’s atmosphere, he leaned on his travel experiences abroad, incorporating London’s flair with pub culture and beer. Sisson’s became the towns earliest true “beer bar”, focusing on imports and eventually, craft beers. In the mid-80’s, he and his fatherconverted the pub to a brewpub. Your favorite Beer of the Month Club is glad they did!
Long story short: they moved to the East Coast, lobbied for a bill that legalized brewpubs in Maryland, and in 1989, became Maryland’s first. He then founded the tiny Clipper City Brewing in 1994 which grew, absorbing the Oxford Brewery, increasing in size and ability to add volume. In 2003, Heavy Seas was created, a combination of all. Today Heavy Seas’ primary challenge is to keep up with increasing demand!
Loose Cannon IPA, Sisson’s flagship brew, is a most fragrant IPA, bursting with grapefruit, herbs and pine. Subdued floral bitterness peaks the taste, and the mouthfeel is creamy. With a strong malt backbone, it won second place at the 2010 Great British Beer Festival.
Rich, malty and complex, Deep Six Porter is a robust English-style porter with a surprisingly dry finish and wonderful drinkability. This hefty brew walks a fine line between drinkability and overwhelming flavor — offering everything from brownie batter to earthiness to subtle fruits!
INDIA PALE ALE — Heavy Sea’s Loose Cannon IPA — There is a long snappy finish to this top fermented ale family of “beers of yesteryear.” Full bodied and heavily hopped, serve it at 55°F with hearty main courses of red meats, Pork and applesauce, Buffalo wings, Cheddar cheese, sharp salad dressing, and carrot cake for dessert.
PORTER —Heavy Sea’s Deep Six Porter — England’s first national beer, porters drank it for nourishment. Dark and robust, top fermented porters are excellent with grilled red meats, fish & chips, oysters or venison stew. For dessert, pair with rich vanilla ice cream!
