To kick off the July 4th weekend, Steamworks Brewing Co. will continue its monthly “firkin” tapping Friday, July 1, 2011, introducing a Watermelon Ale. The cask will be tapped at 3 p.m.

"For our July firkin, the base is our award-winning Colorado Kölsch,” said Ken Martin, Steamworks head brewer. “The final light ale should take on a pink tint and have both the flavor and aroma of watermelon. Could become a summer delicacy.”

A firkin is an old English unit of volume, typically a wooden cask equal to approximately one-quarter of a regular barrel, or nine gallons. Steamworks initiated its Firkin Fridays to introduce a range of specialty craft beers not suited to large draft production. Each month an “unusual” brew is tapped, coordinated with the season or holidays.

Firkin beer is unpasteurized, unfiltered and naturally carbonated, or conditioned, it its cask. The yeast transforms the sugar into alcohol within the cask, and carbonation results from the trapped carbon dioxide occurring as a byproduct. Because it’s gravity-poured, a firkin beer requires a special tap.

“And remember that a firkin is served at about 55 degrees - cool but not cold,” said Spencer Roper, Steamworks assistant brewer. “Because it contains no preservatives, it’s also designed to be consumed after tapping, which thus far hasn’t been an issue. Come early to make sure you get a pint.”