Last Sunday, was the Idaho Historical Society’s 1st annual “SquawkyFest”. A local Craft Beer festival that shines a light on the clandestine practice of making fermented beverages under incarcerated or otherwise restricted environments. Idaho history site describes this as:
“Squawky was an alcohol that those incarcerated ‘brewed’ at the penitentiary. The name may have derived from everyone squawking like birds once they got a few cups in. Men who were incarcerated at the site grew their own fruit and vegetables, prepared their own meals, and even had a canning plant outside the walls where they could collect ingredients. Key ingredients and flavors that squawky might include were apples, oranges, potatoes, grapefruit, or prunes. Add in some yeast and sugar and let ferment for a few days – and you have Squawky!”
Local brewers taking part included, Edge, Meriwether, Bear Island, Sockeye, Spring Creek and Mad Swede. Each had a “squawky” entry as well as another of their “regular” offerings. Sockeye brought their summer seasonal Cervaza Limon, this years version made with real Key limes. Fresh and tasty. Bear Island had something a bit more experimental, a blended blonde made w/ Cucumbers, Jalapenos and Lemon. All three of the unique ingredients really came through on that one. ‘s Squawky Cider”
I thought Meriwether had the most unique entry today, an apple base, (they are a cider company after all) with oranges, fruit cocktail cups and raisons. I would say pretty true to style, as far as this “jungle juice” theme was concerned. This one was fruity, fairly sweet and lots of fruit medley flavor. As a home-brewer, of course I had to ask if they had any numbers on it, but again, true to the intent of this endeavour, they weren’t sure other than the estimated approximate 9% ABV. Fair enough.
The while thing was put on in in the “yard” on the outdoor basketball court. The doors were open to the old Penitentiary buildings and you could tour the place. It was a bit surreal to be “inside” and drinking local producers’ interpretations of what incarcerated individuals may have been producing within these walls back in the day.
BoiseBeerBuddies was there of course signing up folks interested in a membership to the areas best beer-deal club.
The weather looked threatening early on and indeed it rained on us while setting up. But just about noon, when the event was scheduled to open to the public, the sun came out and the wind died down and turned out to be a good day. A DJ with a great setlist was providing some tunes, and a couple of food trucks made the whole thing terrific.
I’ve brought up the topic of “First Annual” things in earlier posts, but this one had a unique flavor and an inherent curiosity mixed with a little Idaho history that should keep it a recurring theme for a few years to come. Next year I hope a few more local brewers will throw their hat in the ring or go a bit further out on a limb and come up with some experimental concoctions for us..
-Cheers
BBB
