Days of the Beer, October 4

The beer for today is Catawba Valley Brewing Company King Coconut Porter.

On October 4, 1754, Tanacharison (also known as Tanaghrisson) died. Tanacharison was known as the Half King. He was an American Indian leader who played a major role in the start of the French and Indian War.

Tanacharison was born into the Catawba tribe around the year 1700, near Buffalo, New York. He was taken captive by the French and put into the Seneca tribe. He grew to become a village leader (at the least) or possibly as the person with authority to speak on behalf of the Iroquois Confederacy.

Tanacharison worked with George Washington and the British during the start of the French and Indian war (and may have caused it). On May 28, 1754, as a party of French soldiers were approaching Washington's camp, Tanacharison sent word to Washington urging attack. Washington, Tanacharison and some British soldiers surrounded the French and fighting broke out. Nine French were killed, 21 were captured and two were wounded. The French and British were not at war when the attack happened.

He developed pneumonia and died on October 4, 1754 near Paxtang (Harrisburg) Pennsylvania.

As to the beer:

This unusual American Porter has become a Spring seasonal mainstay for Catawba Valley Brewing Company. Hand crafted using the finest malts & hops then infused with actual ovenroasted coconut. Combined with the rich chocolaty porter,coconut, and caramelized barley, King Coconut Porter has become lovingly known as the candy bar in a keg.

So, for the one time leader from the Catawba Tribe, have a King Coconut Porter from the Catawba Valley Brewing Company.