FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The legendary “ph1” barrel is celebrating 20 years in the beer world this month. This former wine barrel played an important role in the creation of the sour beer program at New Belgium Brewing Company by their former brewmaster Peter Bouckaert, now co-owner of Purpose Brewing and Cellars.
ph1 started as a wine barrel, then moved to New Belgium Brewing Company as one of the seven barrels used to start playing with wild cultures for their sour beer program. It then moved to Russian River, returned to New Belgium, then on to The Rare Barrel, and most recently was gifted back to Peter Bouckaert at his new venture in Purpose Brewing and Cellars.
Purpose Brewing and Cellars has refilled the barrel and will be releasing the beer on Thursday, February 15, 2018, at 3 pm. In celebration of this special barrel, they will be serving locally made sour beer ice cream by The Welsh Rabbit Bistro. This day also marks the first day that Purpose is now going to be expanding their hours to be open on Thursdays.