Marshall/Centennial Ale
By Julie Wegner Watson
On March 31, Cain’s Ballroom will debut “Cain’s Centennial Ale,” a special brew to honor the venue’s 100 years of existence, at a free concert with Grammy-nominated Oklahoma singer-songwriter, John Fullbright. A collaboration between Cain’s and Marshall Brewing Company, the beer is available in cans at the venue and at Marshall’s Tap Room, 1742 E. 6th St in Tulsa. TGI Promo designed the can’s unique and colorful label, which playfully references both the venue and the city it calls home. Look closely and you’ll spot Cain’s famous disco ball, as well as some of Tulsa’s architectural landmarks, and even the Golden Driller.
Founded in 2008, Marshall Brewing has been integral to the growth and popularity of Tulsa’s craft beer industry. We recently spoke with Wes Alexander, the brewery’s Director of Sales & Marketing, about Cain’s Centennial Ale.
Please describe the beer and tell us why Marshall chose it for the collaboration?
Cain’s Centennial Ale is technically a Kolsch, the traditional ale of the city of Cologne. With Brewmaster Eric Marshall’s formal training and apprenticing in Germany, we love to revisit traditional styles when collaborating. Kolsch bridges the gap between ancient European ales and modern lager. The beer is fermented with ale yeast, but drinks with the crisp and clean characteristics of a lager. History aside, perhaps the biggest factor in choosing the style for Cain’s Centennial Ale was to create a beer that was suitable for enjoyment at our favorite Honky Tonk palace, Cain’s Ballroom. Cain’s Centennial Ale checks in at sessionable 5.2% ABV (alcohol by volume), is light in color and body and finishes clean and crisp – the perfect concert beer, not fussy, just refreshing.
Cain’s Ballroom and Marshall Brewing Company are both locally-owned and operated businesses. How and why are businesses like this important for Tulsa?
What makes Tulsa truly unique is the fabric of small businesses and pioneers that operate those businesses with the goal of offering Tulsans a world-class experience right in their backyard. Since the early days of Cain’s Ballroom, it has punched above its weight in offering world-class entertainment that helps define Tulsa’s love of live music. Today, with that inspiration, Tulsa has a vibrant music, brewery, bar and restaurant scene that lends to the social and cultural atmosphere.
Any comments on Cain’s Centennial?
Growing up in Tulsa, I have many fond memories of concerts at Cain’s Ballroom. From seeing the early days of The Black Crowes at Cain’s and wild St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with Flogging Molly, to being a part of Horton Records Rock-n-Folk-n-Chili Cookoff, Cain’s Ballroom is a part of me. From a business perspective, I am inspired by the timeless nature of Cain’s and have immense respect for the Rodgers family for continuing the legacy.
