Tröegs, Appalachian and Pizza Boy Brewing’s (717) Collaboration Ale, a 7.17% ABV IPA? Saison? American Strong?
| Appearance | Clear, medium copper; nice lacing. |
| Aroma | Nice combo of light sour and slightly dank/piney hop aroma. |
| Taste | Starts crisp, slightly puckery tartness, then citrus, pine, touch of dank, light sweetness; clean finish. |
| Mouthfeel | Medium bodied; fine carbonation. |
| Overall | This beer has multiple personalities, but I like them all and they play well together. |
Yes, you read the title of this article correctly, I am pinch-hitting for Steph for this week’s NBR. Simply because she asked me to and, apparently, I do anything she says.
The (717) Collaboration Ale is the official beer of the inaugural Harrisburg Beer Week.
It was brewed at Tröegs Brewing Company in collaboration with two other pillars of Harrisburg area brewing: Appalachian Brewing Company (also the presenting sponsor of Harrisburg Beer Week) and Pizza Boy Brewing Company.
Sara Bozich of SaraBozich.com – co-founder of Harrisburg Beer Week along with Tierney Pomone, Chelsie Markel, and Colleen Nguyen of Stouts and Stilettos – was on hand for the brew day. It was released at the HBG Beer Week Kick-Off Party at The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing on April 24.
This beer, which takes its name from the Harrisburg area code, is a truly unique concoction, highlighting the characteristics of its three collaborators and defying style categorization. “Hoppy Wildflower Saison” is what the official description settles on. It incorporates warm sour fermentation and was brewed with wildflower honey, Simcoe hops, Saison yeast and a portion of the malt bill comes from local PA malt house Deer Creek.
A truly unique, complex and very drinkable beer, (717) is the perfect brew to celebrate the wildly successful, first-ever Harrisburg Beer Week which runs until May 2. Congrats the the ladies of Stouts and Stilettos and Sara Bozich, as well as all the venues, breweries and others in the Harrisburg community for starting what is sure to become a long-lasting awesome tradition.
Wanna pick this one up? (717) is available on draft and in cans for a limited time in the Harrisburg area.
Check out… all of Beer Busters HBG Beer Week coverage here, and this video from the (717) brewers.
If you have a beer you think we should review, let us know!
And as always, toast our check-in on Untappd, and let us know what YOU think!
