Don Spencer of Silver City Brewery

Silver City Brewery is rolling out a new Belgian Blonde Ale and they are looking for your help in choosing a name. Once you come up with that perfect name, let them know by sending them an email. If you’re submission is chosen, you get to hang with brewmaster Don “Big Daddy” Spencer at their new 8,700 square-foot brewing facility in Bremerton for a day. Read more about the beer and the contest in the full press release below, and visit their website for more information.

Silverdale, WA – July 19, 2010 – Silver City Restaurant & Brewery, the Kitsap Peninsula’s premier destination for award-winning, handcrafted beers, Northwest-inspired food, and legendary hospitality, today announced the release of their first Belgian Blonde Ale on Friday, July 23. Silver City Brewmaster Don “Big Daddy” Spencer also announced Silver City’s “Name the Ale” Contest, which offers patrons a shot at craft beer immortality in exchange for naming Silver City’s new Belgian Blonde Ale (contest runs July 23 – August 6, 2010).

“The inspiration for Silver City’s new Belgian Blonde Ale came from two trips I took to Belgium in 2004 and 2008,” said Don Spencer, Silver City Brewmaster. “I recall tasting a variety of Belgian beers that could be classified as ‘Blonde’ or ‘Gold,’ and what I found most appealing was how light and refreshing they were, while at the same time possessing remarkable flavor.”

Silver City brewers employ several unique processes during the production of the Belgian Blonde Ale (6.5% ABV) to enhance the aroma, flavor, and depth of this exciting new specialty beer. For instance, in conjunction with hops, brewers add orange peel to the boil for aroma; sugar to help the beer to finish nice and dry, and bring the alcohol percentage up; and they condition the Belgian Blonde on French Oak for several weeks, which adds to the aroma and flavor profile.

“Brewing the Belgian Blonde, and any new specialty beer for that matter, is a fun and exciting experience,” said Gary Winn, Silver City Head Brewer. “We get a chance to perfect new brewing methods, get feedback from guests, and of course, taste a new and exciting style of craft beer.”

Aromas and flavors are delicate and deep in this original Belgian inspired Silver City seasonal brew. An abundance of fruit is present, along with citrus from the addition of sweet orange peel. Aging on French Oak imparts a kiss of vanilla and a unique mouth feel to enhance the drinkability of this crisp, sparkling blonde. As of Monday, August 9, Silver City Belgian Blonde Ale will be available in 22 ounce bottles at Silver City Restaurant & Brewery in Silverdale, WA, and it will remain on tap while supplies last.

“I have always been inspired to brew beers that I am thirsty for,” said Spencer. “I’ve been perfecting this beer over the past few years to find the right balance of aroma, flavors and depth, and our new Belgian Blonde is the result of those efforts.”

Silver City Belgian Blonde Ale is as unique and exceptional as Big Daddy himself, so it’s only appropriate that this exciting new brew receive an equally unique name. Beginning July 23, Silver City patrons will have an opportunity to achieve craft beer immortality by participating in Big Daddy’s “Name the Ale” Contest. The winner will get to experience the brewing process firsthand by spending a day at Silver City’s new 8,700 square-foot brewery facility in Bremerton, Washington. The winner will also be honored at a special Belgian Blonde re-release party to take place at Silver City Restaurant & Brewery on August 9. For complete details on Silver City’s new Belgian Blonde Ale, or Big Daddy’s “Name the Ale” Contest, please visit Silver City online at: http://www.silvercitybrewery.com, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.