Firkin Fridays continues at Steamworks Brewing Co. with the introduction of a unique brew: “Hotpricot.” The firkin cask will be tapped at 3 p.m.

“We’ve been calling it Hotpricot because we expect it to be hot, sweet and strong,” said Ken Martin, Steamworks head brewer. “The base is our Ale Diablo, which is already a strong, golden ale, and we’ve fermented it with wine must from Gewürztraminer and Riesling grapes.”

“Then we conditioned it with apricot and peach puree, and a blend of fresh roasted Hatch, Scotch Bonnet, Poblano Chilies,” added Spencer Roper, assistant brewer. “The result should be a very complex Belgian strong ale with the light fruity sweetness of apricot and a slight chili flavor and spiciness. Yum.”

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. Firkin beer is unpasteurized, unfiltered and naturally carbonated, or conditioned, it its cask. It is served at approximately 55 degrees - cool but not cold, and because it contains no preservatives, it’s designed to be consumed after tapping.

“We’ve got a large following for Firkin Fridays, and it’s growing as more people discover the opportunity to sample a unique brew that they truly can’t get anywhere else,” said Martin. “Come early to make sure you get a pint.”

Steamworks initiated its Firkin Fridays to introduce unusual, specialty craft beers to patrons, and augment its regular, award-winning offerings.