Days of the Beer, March 27

The beer for today is Avery Salvation.

On March 27, 1881, in Basingstoke, England, the people rioted against the promotion of Temperance by the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army came into town in 1880. When they did, they promoted extreme Temperance (no alcohol).

In 1881, the town had at least 50 pubs and three breweries, with a population of about 7,000. When the Salvation Army arrived in town, they marched up and down the streets singing hymns and telling the townsfolk not to drink. This caused the beer drinkers (called Massagainians)to also march up and down the streets, playing instruments and banging on cans and pans (and whatever else they could find). People who didn't have instruments, sang obscene songs.

It culminated on Sunday, March 27, 1881 with troops being called upon to break up the conflict after the mayor had read the Riot Act (which allowed force in breaking up a riot).

As to the beer:

Avery Salvation is a Belgian Strong Golden Ale.

The success of Hog Heaven and The Reverend clearly demonstrates that beer drinkers are willing to embrace "BIGGER" beers. In the fall of 2001, we decided that a lighter BIG BEER would complement its darker colored predecessors. Salvation has luscious apricot and peach aromas delicately interwoven with spicy suggestions of nutmeg and cinnamon. This heavenly soft, champagne-like elixer is cellarable for 3 years.

The beer is roughly 9% ABV.

So, for the Salvation Army getting beat up by drunks in Basingstoke in 1881, have an Avery Salvation.

Fuck Temperance!