Days of the Beer, October 16

The beer for today is AleSmith Speedway Stout.

On October 16, 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos performed the famous Black Power Salute at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Tommie Smith had set the world record in the 200 meter race in 19.83. Australia's Peter Norman finished second, and American John Carlos finished third.

At the medal ceremony, Smith and Carlos received their medals shoeless, but with black socks to represent black poverty. Smith wore a black scarf to represent black pride. Carlos had unzipped his top to show solidarity with blue collar workers, he also wore beads "for those individuals that were lynched, or killed that no-one said a prayer for, that were hung and tarred. It was for those thrown off the side of the boats in the middle passage." Both Smith and Carlos planned to wear black gloves, but Carlos forget his, and Norman (the Australian) recommend that Carlos wear Smith's left hand glove. All three athletes wore badges for the Olympic Project for Human Rights, which was there to raise awareness of racism in sports.

When "The Star-Spangled Banner" played Smith and Carlos raised their gloved hands with their heads bowed.

As to the beer:

Jet Black, with an off-white head. Starts with a strong coffee and dark chocolate sensation, then fades to a multitude of toasty, roasty and caramel malt flavors. Clean and crisp, full- bodied. Warmth from the high alcohol content lightens up the feel. You won't fool your taste buds - this beer is HUGE!
Original Gravity 1.111
Alcohol by Volume 12.0%

The Vintage Speedway Stout from AleSmith received a Silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival this year.

So, for the Speedster, Tommie Smith, have an AleSmith Speedway Stout. Both are Black and powerful.