At Althaia, we have decided to celebrate the New Year by doing what we love most: brewing the best quality beer. That's why we recently added two very special beers to the family: Cap Negret and Bitácora. Both represent a firm commitment to the canned format, which, in addition to preserving the organoleptic qualities by protecting the beer from light, is much more convenient and easy to take wherever you want. Like all other members of the family, Cap Negret and Bitácora are inspired by stories and legends with maritime themes, showcasing their deep seafaring character. These stories, which inspire us when selecting brewing processes and ingredients, give them a new dimension and provide them with their own identity and life, also portrayed by their unmistakable illustrations.
CAP NEGRET, REFUGE AND GUIDE FOR SAILORS
Cap Negret is a pioneer in its style, being the first Oatmeal Stout with Nitro in Spain and in a can. Its main feature is that instead of using carbonic gas, we have used nitrogen for its packaging, which produces a beautiful cascade when served and a creamy foam that persists in the glass. To achieve the maximum effect and make the most of this format, it is essential to shake vigorously three times and pour abruptly into a glass. The effect when served from a barrel is equally surprising.
Once served, we will find a malty, dark, full-bodied Ale, with the complementary creaminess provided by the oats and the smoothness of the nitrogen. Smooth, unctuous, and velvety on the palate, balanced and very easy to drink. With the aroma of toasted grains and a soft coffee and cream character. With 4.8% alcohol, the convenient 33 cl can format, and the fun of serving a nitro beer, this beer will be the perfect companion for any occasion.
This beer is a tribute to Cap Negret, a unique place, a great lighthouse in the midst of time that watches over us and guides us, anchored in history. This small cape in the bay of Altea (Alicante) was formed by the eruption of a volcano 225 million years ago and served for centuries as a quarry to exploit its extremely hard petrified lava. The large black rock on the sea was in ancient times a sanctuary to the goddess Tanit, worshipped by Phoenician sailors, and a pier was established at its foot. In the 16th century, a watchtower was built on it, observing the countless ships that anchored to stock up on water from the Algar River. That great tower was replaced in 1937 by a defensive battery.
A landmark and refuge for sailors traversing the Mediterranean, Cap Negret continues to guide us on our journey. It whispers among the waves of the sea the thousand stories preserved in its black rocks and the certainty that to find favorable winds, we must first choose our destination.
BITÁCORA, A TRIBUTE TO CHING
Bitácora, on the other hand, is our new American IPA style beer. Canning ensures it stays fresh and preserves the full intensity of the hops. This is a bold and decidedly hoppy beer due to its extra dry hopping, which gives it fresh citrus, resinous, and fruity notes. With 6% alcohol and a bright golden color. In the aftertaste, we will notice a soft and fresh bitterness and hop flavor that will linger in memory.
This beer is inspired by the exciting story of the brave Ching Shih, the most powerful pirate of the South China Sea. The story goes that one night in 1785, Ching Shih was born in the city of Canton, and, having become a hustler from childhood, at the age of 16 she worked in a brothel in the same city. Some time later, she met the man who would become her husband, Zheng Yi, a powerful pirate and owner of the Red Flag fleet.
Ching demonstrated her skill at the helm of the fleet, achieving enormous fame by forging alliances with her competitors in a large pirate coalition. Thus, one of the most powerful fleets in the world was born, completely led by Ching after her husband's death in 1807. The astute pirate dedicated her life to business and military strategy, eventually having 80,000 men under her command, including women, children, farmers, and spies. Ching Shih demonstrated her intelligence until the end, preferring to retire from piracy and live in peace until she was 69 years old.