In honor of national “Talk Like a Pirate Day”, Heavy Seas Peg Leg Imperial Stout is our beer of the day. This full-bodied imperial stout pours an opaque mahogany color with a tan head. Its smell is dominated by notes of roasted coffee beans, with a slight hint of chocolate, but Simcoe and Fuggles hops add complexity to the aroma. The roasted barley is detectable in the taste, and this complements the bitterness from the Warrior hops – balancing out the sweetness from the load of malts used in brewing Peg Leg. A creamy mouthfeel makes this a smooth, utterly drinkable beer.
About Heavy Seas
For Heavy Seas founder, Hugh Sisson, beer altered the trajectory of his life. In 1980, intending to become a stage actor and director, Hugh’s plan was to move to NYC after completing his course work for a masters degree in theater. Hugh’s father, Albert, a Baltimore area businessman, persuaded him instead to come “help” at a newly opened family business, a tavern called Sisson’s. When Hugh showed up to start what he assumed would be a short-term position, his father tossed him the keys to the pub, said “OK, don’t f*** up!” and walked out the door.
Hugh realized he needed a way to differentiate Sisson’s from other bars to give customers a reason to visit. He decided to make Sisson’s into a beer destination. By 1982, Sisson’s had the largest selection of beers in Baltimore and was Baltimore’s first draft Guinness account.
The consumer’s interest in beer was growing fast, so in 1984, Hugh and his father decided to explore the idea of making their own beer at the pub. Sisson’s officially became Maryland’s first brewpub in August 1989, with Hugh as the brewer.
Hugh remained at Sisson’s until December 1994, when he left to form a new company, Clipper City Brewing Co., now home to Heavy Seas Beer. Today, Heavy Seas produces 18 different beer styles and distributes in 17 states. Heavy Seas has become one of the most respected and award winning craft breweries on the East Coast. The company celebrates its 20th anniversary of business operations on December 8, 2015.