WILD HEAVEN’S EMERGENCY CHICKEN PICKIN

  By Liz and John Attaway

  The forecast called for rain with little chance of a dry hour that night in June. The patio was lit with party lights, while the tent was up protecting the precious chicken cargo from the impending doom. It was a brave effort but unnecessary as the clouds spaced out in the late afternoon sky. As the sun set in the west, the clouds had a pink, blue, and purple glow that was glorious and beautiful, showing the world that even a rainy day has a silver lining. What was so beautiful about this sunset was sitting a-top their entrance is the Wild Heaven logo where the pink, blue and purple cloud background shown through the big windows and behind the logo, it was a beautiful site for the Emergency Chicken Pickin event.

Wild Heaven’s Emergency Chicken Pickin was about two things: chicken and beer. This chicken was something to write home about; it was that good! With Pine Street Market grilling succulent Springer Mountain Chicken that was marinated in Wild Heaven’s Emergency beer, what wasn’t to like? It was cooked with the skin on and bone in to give you the moisture needed to make it tender and juicy. I had a snack before I went but I ate a whole piece ½ of white meat and John got another piece too. More, please.

Beyond the chicken was the beer, John’s favorite is the Let There Be Light, an American Pale ale, that is one of the more hoppy options at the brewery. What I really like about Wild Heaven that they don’t over hop their beer. My favorite was the Eschaton, which is a malty, Belgian-Style Quadruple. It’s dark, malty, beautifully balanced and would be so good with chocolate. Of the new offerings, we really enjoyed Emergency, as well as the Pearly Gates No 19. Emergency is a Pil-style Session Ale. It’s one of those summer beers you can get a six pack of and sip on at the pool. It’s light, bright, and an easy drinker but not so light you feel like your drinking a light beer. The Pearly Gates No 19 was a special beer only for this event and it had a little more bit   e and bolder flavor and a slight nutty aftertaste.

With the good turn-out, the glorious sun set, and chicken and beer pairing, the event seemed to be a hit. We were impressed with the quality of the chicken and the beer offerings of the night. If you’d like more information on Wild Heaven, their beers, and their tours/tastings check out their site at http://wildheavencraftbeers.com/

See you next time, Nick!