Days of the Beer, November 2

The beer for today is Steamworks Spruce Goose.

On November 2, 1947, the Hughes H-4 Hercules, made its first and only flight. The aircraft was built from wood due to wartime restrictions on the use of aluminum, it ws nicknamed the "Spruce Goose" by its critics. The Hercules is the largest flying boat ever build and has the largest wingspan and height of any aircraft in history. It is currently in the evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.

Despite the nickname of "Spruce Goose" the plane was built of laminate birch.

On Nov. 2, the aircraft took a series of taxi test runs. Howard Hughes was at the controls, he also had a co-pilot, two flight engineers, 16 mechanics, two other flight crew, seven press corps guests, and seven industry representatives on board. After two uneventful taxi runs, four of the reporters left to file stories, but the remaining people stayed for the final run. After the plane picked up speed, it lifted off, and remained airborne 70 feet above the water at a speed of 135 mph for about a mile.

The plane has never flown since.

About the beer:

Steamworks Spruce Goose is a spiced beer, from the Steamworks Brewing Company in Durango, Colorado.

Inspired by Vikings. It goes without saying that it’s bold.
Beers made with spruce or other types of pine were brought to Scotland by the Vikings who brewed ales and spice with fresh spruce shoots to prevent scurvy on sailing voyages. Spruce beer was also drunk before battle as it was thought to bring out one’s animal instincts. Spruce Goose, our modern-day version of the Viking’s beer, is a darker brew with complex earthy flavors throughout.

The beer is 7.3% ABV and is available from November 1, to January 31 in 22 ounce bombers.

So, for the maiden and only flight of the Spruce Goose, see if you can find yourself a Spruce Goose.

I expect to hear a review from the Colorado Contingent, sometime soon.