St. John Brewers Introduces Virgin Islands Pale Ale

From Brew-Monkey.com
April 25, 2005 - The Beer

The concept and flavor of Virgin Islands Pale Ale was conceived and developed on St. John. The experienced home brewers wanted to share their new beer with the island but knew they lacked the facilities to produce sufficient quantities. St. John Brewers contacted renowned master brewer Alan Pugsley at Shipyard Brewing Co. in Portland, ME to help them produce their island ale. Shipyard Brewing Co. is the exclusive brewer and bottler of Virgin Islands Pale Ale. Shipyard is an established brewery in the Northeast with a reputation for producing award winning beer -- such as Shipyard Export Ale and Fuggles IPA -- from the highest quality ingredients. St. John Brewers are proud to have Shipyard as a production partner.

The Story

The inspiration for Virgin Islands Pale Ale came when the beer's creators, Kevin Chipman and Chirag "Cheech" Vyas began home brewing on the island of St. John. Unsatisfied with the choices of mass produced, bland, watered down beer, the two set out to brew ales that had smoother flavors and a distinct hop finish. After brewing several batches of quality American and European style beers they developed a recipe that captured the essence and taste of the Caribbean. The finished brew, a light ale with a subtle exotic fruit nose and mild hop finish, is the ideal flavor for our tropical climate. Virgin Islands Pale Ale was born. Having created a perfect island ale recipe, the two would like to share their new brew with the Virgin Islands and its visitors. Whether you are enjoying a sunset, celebrating an island happy hour, or having a relaxing dinner, Virgin Islands Pale Ale is the refreshing beer to enjoy any moment.

About the Brewers

Local bartenders Kevin and Chirag have called the island of St. John home for several years. Friends from their cold weather days at the University of Vermont the two spread out after graduation to pursue different careers -- Chirag moved to California to work as a NASA scientist while Kevin worked as a Board certified physical therapist in Boston. After several years of working in their respective fields they decided that life had more challenges to offer and set forth for a new adventure. They decided to move to St. John because of its natural beauty and local charm.

Kevin and Chirag have worked as bartenders on St. John since 2001. All the while, the two continue to seek new professional challenges both on and off the island: Kevin created a successful freelance photography business and Chirag recently completed his Masters degree in International Affairs. Forming their new company, St. John Brewers, is the next step in fulfilling their entrepreneurial aspirations by combining their love for brewing beer and desire to work and live in the island paradise that is St. John. You are most likely to find these two brewers relaxing at the beach or downtown mingling with their fellow St. Johnians.