Tennessee Brew Works releases “King Chestnut” Brown Ale

In the early 1900’s approximately 98% of the American chestnut trees were destroyed by a devastating blight. Prior to that, the American chestnut was considered the King of the Forest as it was the dominant tree in the Tennessee forest.  In the oak family, the wood looks like oak, but was soft and worked like pine. It was decay resistant and it was used to build cabins, barns and fences.  As the mountains were settled, the tree became important for railroad ties, utility poles and furniture.  When it was cut, the tree replaced itself with dozens of sprouts, some which became trees again. Perhaps its most important role was producer of food for wildlife and humans, as it dropped tons of sweet, edible nuts every fall.

Tree researchers and plant pathologists have worked for 100 years to bring the chestnut back to the Appalachian Mountains. Research groups including foundations, universities and government agencies have worked together to provide unique opportunities for the return of the tree to its rightful place in the forest.  Battling the chestnut blight, The American Chestnut Foundation has developed chestnut trees ready for testing in the forest.

Tennessee Brew Works and Treeborn, Inc. who developed the chestnut chip, recognize this long-sought milestone by brewing an American chestnut brown ale with the mild, sweet nutty flavor that only the King of the Forest could provide.

Join Tennessee Brew Works and Treeborn, Inc. in supporting the goals of The American Chestnut Foundation by helping provide research funds to battle the chestnut blight. A taste of King Chestnut ale will serve as a reminder to help bring back the King of the Forest.

This beer will be available for release in draft and bottles throughout Tennessee. Please contact your local retailer for requests.