South Gate Brewing Co. 1864 Ale commemorates Yosemite Anniversary

The South Gate Brewing Co. in Oakhurst, Calif., is holding a release party to help show off a new beer that marks the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Yosemite Grant. The 1864 Ale, produced by brewmaster Rick Bouke, is an Oktoberfest-style beer that will be available throughout the fall. Bouke said he used the past as an influence while creating this new brew.

“I am excited to brew this beer for such a special occasion as the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln signing the Yosemite Grant. I tried to make a beer with techniques that would be similar to the beer being brewed 150 years ago,” he said.

“Rich, toasted malts toasted in the our wood-fired oven and fresh, local hops sourced from a secret location near Yosemite Valley, make this beer a balanced and refreshing seasonal beer perfect for a Fall in the Sierra,” said Casey Hawkins, owner of South Gate Brewing Co.

A release party is being held on Oct. 5 starting at 3 p.m. to debut the new beer and help mark the milestone of President Lincoln signing the Yosemite Grant that set aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove for preservation. Festivities will include an Art Exhibit by local artist Courtney Lynn who has designed the 1864 Ale label of President Lincoln as well as the other South Gate Brewing labels; live music, Oktoberfest-style dinner specials by Chef Dawn Pliche, 1864 logo t-shirts & steins giveaways, plus a grand prize drawing for a two night stay in a cabin at The Redwoods in Yosemite. Also, attendees are advised to be on the lookout for President Lincoln himself, to make a special appearance.

“It’s a great honor to be involved in the celebration of our ecological history,” Hawkins said. “Brewing a beer with locally sourced hops and toasting grains here on site will give this beer a uniqueness that speaks to our local community. We hope everybody enjoys the craftsmanship and thought that Rick is putting into the 1864 Ale.”