Talk about plowing new ground, check out the new beers from Sprecher. These will be interesting to try. Sprecher Releases Two African-Style Craft Beers Glendale, WI - Long regarded as one of the leading microbreweries producing traditional European-style and American craft beers, Sprecher Brewing Company has just released two African-style beers: Shakparo Ale and Mbege Ale. Both beers were developed by Brewmaster Craig Burge who began the project by extensively researching the history of brewing in Africa, African beer styles, ingredients, and traditions. Burge focused on the traditional African beers that offer a taste experience not readily available in the local market. Much like the United States beer industry with its macro and micro breweries, Africa offers a wide variety of beers produced by large and small brewers. Many traditional beers are brewed by the women in a village, are unfiltered, and have little carbonation. Asked why Sprecher would depart from its niche, Burge replied, " I don't see this as a departure so much as a broadening of what we excel at, which is brewing quality beers with really distinctive flavor profiles regardless of their county of origin." Sprecher's Shakparo Ale is a West African Shakparo-style beer brewed from sorghum. An unfiltered, light, crisp ale with hints of fruits and spices, it is best characterized as an easy-drinking beer. Popular in Eastern Africa, especially the Northern regions of Tanzania, Mbege-style beers are brewed from bananas, True to tradition, Sprecher's Mbege Ale is an unfiltered ale that gets its delightful banana taste from fresh bananas. A delectable beverage on its own, Sprecher's Mbege Ale pairs exceptionally well with food. For more information about Sprecher's Shakparo Ale and Mbege Ale, contact Vice President and General Manager Jeff Hamilton at 414.964.7837, or <mailto:jhamilton@sprecherbrewery.com> jhamilton(a)sprecherbrewery.com. R Ray Daniels Director of Publications Brewers Association ray(a)brewersassociation.org <mailto:ray@brewersassocciation.org> 773-769-1300 or 312-203-8383 (cell) See www.beertown.org <http://www.beertown.org/> to check out our newest titles: "How to Brew" (Third Edition) by John Palmer and "The Brewers Association's Guide to Starting Your Own Brewery." For subscriptions, single copy and book sales, call 1-888-822-6273.