"What defines a collaboration brew? And what occasion could spark such an effort?
Phil Clark, ex-pat Englishman, wanted to brew a traditional English Pale ale to commemorate the 90th birthday celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II, that took place this past June in the UK. We asked our good friends at Hopvine Brewing in Aurora, IL if they might like to participate. Ken McMullen, head brewer, said sure and so the project was born. Using a recipe from co-host Mark Naski, this beer used English ingredients - Maris Otter malt and East Kent Golding hops. Phil went down to the brewery and spent the day with Ken, understanding the process in detail and providing labor as needed. The result is a beer that has all the maltiness required, and with a lovely mild hoppiness."