All of the breweries based on the Peter Austin System use something known as a hop percolator for late hop additions. A hop percolator is kind of like a pressurized hopback, but it works on a slightly different principle (a hop stand produces a similar kind of effect as a hop percolator). With its brick enclosed, direct-fired kettle, wood clad mash/lauter tun and hot liquor back, and fish tail-equipped open fermentation vessels, the Peter Austin System is one of the most interesting craft brewing systems in use in the United States. It is a craft brewing system in more than name only. Geary’s has been repitching the same culture for 29 years.
Here’s the reason why East Coast Pale Ale and IPA is more like English Pale Ale and IPA; namely, the first craft brewery in New England. It was the first Peter Austin System to be installed in the United States by Alan Pugsley, but it was not the last.
Here are two videos of the Shipyard Brewing Company that include Alan Pugsley:
Have you ever wondered why Dogfish Head recommends Ringwood to those who are attempting to replicate their beers? Well, one of the first microbreweries in Maryland was the Wild Goose Brewery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, which is part of the Delmarva (Delaware/Maryland/Virginia) peninsula. Wild Goose used a Peter Austin System. Dogfish Head’s first full-time brew master was Jason Kennedy. Jason was a brewer and cellar master at Wild Goose. Dogfish Head’s “Doggie” is actually a mutated form of Ringwood. Wild Goose and another British-built local brewery called the British Brewing Company (Steven Parkes built this brewery) are a big part of why I became interested in learning how to brew in the early nineties, and why I primarily brew English-style ale.
I was delighted when Mitch Steele gave a nod to an influential outfit that was responsible for East Coast ale being closer to English ale than West Coast ale at NHC 2015. That outfit was Peter Austin and Partners. Mr. Austin left us last year, but he was as influential in kick-starting small-scale brewing in the UK as he was on the East Coast of the United States, and he did it after a full career as a professional brewer at the Hull Brewery.