Beer of the Week 08/11/20

Three Notch’d — Not a Slave to Old Labels.

Three Notch’d Ghost of the James

Regularly $10.99 / Now of Sale for $9.96
American Pale Ale

Recently our very own Three Notch’d Brewing Company did something very big with hardly any fanfare … they rebranded The Ghost of the 43rd Pale Ale. 

The brew formerly known as “The Ghost of the 43rd” is an American Pale Ale which, since Three Notch’s inception, has been named after Confederate soldier John S. Mosby. Mosby is most famously known as a leader of partisan rangers that were so successful in their Northern Virginia insurgent battles against the United States, that the Confederate War Department eventually anointed them the 43rd Battalion of Virginia Calvary. For his force’s ability to attack seeming out of nowhere and to disappear just as abruptly, Mosby became known as “The Gray Ghost.” Now, he has disappeared just as quietly from our beer shelves. 

In rebranding, Three Notch’d wanted to continue their fondness for local history. Thus “the Ghost of the James,” which refers to the James River Reserve Fleet — The Ghost Fleet of the James River — a collection of 10 retired ships anchored quietly waiting for a military maritime crisis to call upon them.  

Here’s what Scott Roth, President of Three Notch’d Brewing has to say about the change. “The rebrand for Ghost began in May of 2019 following conversations with members of our community and their valid concerns over using the likeness of Mosby on our beer. Fans of Three Notch'd may have noticed the bottle labels and keg collars changed in the fall of 2019, and we are now happy to be able to finalize our migration to ‘Ghost of the James’ with our canned 6 pack. The ‘Ghost of the James’ pays homage to the countless vessels and waterman that once called the James River home. Remnants of this nautical history still exist today and are known as the James River Ghost Fleet.” -Scott Roth, President

“Ghost of the James” also gives Three Notch’d brand continuity, seeing as the beer inside the can still remains the same great APA. The Ghost (as everyone has always called it) is a crisp, light-bodied American Pale Ale that boasts just a bit of caramel malt backbone sitting behind a classic combination of Crystal, Simcoe, Citra, and Cascade hops. They give you just enough citrus bitterness to tingle your tongue, but not enough to pound your palate. Thank you to Three Notch’d for putting a beer that was always easy to drink in a packaging that’s easier to swallow. 

Move Over Citra Lingus — Mosaic is in town!

Bonus Beer of the Week (‘Cause we all need a little something special right now.)

Basic City Mosaic Lingus

Regularly $17.99 / Now on Sale for $15.96
Double New England Style IPA

"Single Hop Double IPA with Mosaic Hops. 

Big & Juicy.

A frenzied shock to the tastebuds, spearheading into a tongue twister full of vibrant juiciness. Savor every drop.

8% ABV"

- Basic City Brewing Company