Gotta love the name: They Made Me Do It
You gotta love the name of the new blueberry ale that they are pouring at Red Brick Station. It is called "They Made Me Do It."
The name refers to the reluctance of brew master Mike McDonald to make a fruity beer.
He did it under protest about 12 years ago, and the ale became the pub's No. 1 seller.
This year's version became available this week on tap at Red Brick Station in White Marsh. It will be served until Labor Day. Starting next week, firkins of it are being shipped to Max's, Mahaffery's, the Baltimore Taphouse and Pizzeria Paradiso in Washington, D.C., I was told.
How does a brewer react to the fact that his wishes are not those of the beer-drinking public? With a sense of humor.
"If I made beer only for myself, I wouldn't be in business very long, " McDonald told me."When I was young and brash, I had bumper sticker on my old pickup that said, "Fruit Beers Suck," McDonald said.
But when McDonald got hired at Red Brick's White Marsh Brewing Co., he was told he had to brew a fruit beer. He said fine, as long as he got to name it.
"I picked blueberries because they have such a neutral flavor," McDonald said.
As his blueberry ale grew in popularity, McDonald's stance shifted.
"I guess I have softened," he said. " I actually like the beer."
What became of the "Fruit Beers Suck" bumper sticker?
"I sold the truck, and the sticker went with it," he said.
Anybody else seen this bumper sticker? McDonald said it came from a brewery in Hartford, Conn.
Anybody tried "They Made Me Do It" blueberry ale?
Photo: Blueberry Council
Comments
Actually, I think the beer in question's been around for several years now, not created just last year............
( Thanks Sandy, I checked with Mike and you're right it has been around for 12 years. Will fix that post, Rob )
Posted by: Alexander D. Mitchell IV | May 29, 2009 1:04 PM
I was there last night for the release party.
Last year's seemed more enjoyable to me. Or maybe my senses have changed.
I ordered one, took a few sips.... found Mike McDonald and asked, "So when do you begin brewing the Double IPA?"
I must say though, the beer has a pretty strong following; especially from the ladies....
Posted by: Brad - BeerInBaltimore.com | May 29, 2009 1:23 PM
I had this a few years ago while getting their "sampler" set. I honestly could not even taste any of the blueberry flavor, and did not think much of it.
I still love Red Brick though, and their other offerings. I wish I could get there more while visiting family in that area.
Posted by: Mark | June 1, 2009 1:14 PM