(Baltimore, MD) – Stillwater Ales will debut its first beer next month.

Stillwater Ales, founded by Brian Strumke, is a new startup based in Baltimore, Maryland. Strumke is making his beer hands-on with some of the equipment over at Dog Brewing. The first beer to hit the tanks is Stillwater Stateside Saison.

Strumke explains, “Like most of my recipes I tried to pull a mixture of elements from various styles to create a beer with a unique flavor and aroma profile. European malts for a crisp biscuity foundation, Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand for their fruity, white wine like characteristics that are complimented by a blend of American hops for added complexity. The beer is then fished off with a farmhouse ale yeast for a dry finish and added peppery / citrus aroma.”

Approximately 1/3 of the 30 bbl will go into 130 cases (1,500 750 mL bottles) with the other 20 bbl going in kegs. Keg distribution for batch #1 will be MD, DC, Philly, and NYC. Bottles will be sent to MD, DC, Philly, NYC, NC, and SC and are expected to begin arriving on shelves next month. Strumke, who is working with Twelve Percent Distributors, says that the market should expand to the West Coast with upcoming batches.

According to the brewery blog, Stateside Saison “will debut on Saturday Feb. 13 at Max’s Annual Belgian Fest (Baltimore, MD) in the form of 2 rare casks. One dry-hopped and another dry-hopped with french oak added.”

As for what is coming up . . . “Right now Stateside Saison is set to be the flagship, other seasonal offerings planned are Existent Ale (an India Dark Ale), of Love and Regret (a Saison brewed with an array of spring botanicals), and perhaps the Stillwater twist on a German influenced ale. Right now we have a somewhat broad distribution territory and small output which allows me to experiment with new ideas, so expect some surprises!”

You can read more about Strumke and Stillwater Ales at the Belgian Beer Specialist and Beer in Baltimore.