Press Release: For the second consecutive year, Cask & Larder and the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park will collaborate on a limited edition beer release to commemorate famed 18th century German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, a noted beer lover. The 2016 Branderburger Bock will debut during a special beer release party at Cask & Larder on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will also feature a live performance by members of the acclaimed Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, who will serenade the audience with selections from Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos.
The 2016 Branderburger Bock, brewed by Cask & Larder head brewer Larry Foor, will be produced in a style that mimics the methods of brewing in Germany during the 18th century to ensure the beer is similar to the ones with which Bach was so smitten. In addition to unveiling his newest beer, Foor has invited several other local breweries, including Redlight Redlight, ten10, Central 28, Crooked Can and Red Cypress to also pay homage to Bach. Each brewery will showcase its own German-style beer during the event.
“It’s great to partner with the Bach Festival Society again to release a new edition of the Branderburger Bock,” said Foor. “The turnout last year was unbelievable and it’s amazing to see this grow into an annual affair and have the opportunity to include other local breweries.”
The harmonious collaboration between Cask & Larder and The Bach Festival Society came to be after Betsy Gwinn and Alex Tiedtke, of the Bach Festival Society, discovered a 300-year old letter Johann Sebastian Bach wrote to a friend proclaiming his love for a barrel of beer he had received as a gift. Gwinn and Tiedtke approached Cask & Larder head brewer Larry Foor about brewing a beer in a style similar to the one Bach wrote about to celebrate the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park’s 80th anniversary. Now approaching its 81st Annual Winter Park Bach Festival, from Feb. 12-28, 2016, the Winter Park ensemble is the third oldest Bach Festival Society in the United States.
“We’re thrilled to kick off the 81st Winter Park Bach Festival with this fun event. J.S. Bach was a frequent visitor to coffeehouses and loved his beer and wine so I am sure he wouldn’t mind having his secular works performed outside the concert hall in a far more casual setting. After all he did.” said Dr. John Sinclair, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Bach Festival Society.
The Brandenburger Bock release party will also feature a special German food menu to pair with the beer. The limited edition beer will be available on tap until it runs out and also will be sold in 32-ounce to-go crowlers for $7 per can at both Cask & Larder and Swine & Sons. Cask & Larder will donate $1 from each Brandenburger Bock sold to the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park.