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3/11/2015 - The History of Friday The Firkinteenth
In 2015 Friday the 13th happens 3 times, which prompted me to ask Scoats, the owner of The Grey Lodge if there is a Friday The Firkinteenth every Friday the 13th. He said yes, and also gave me a history of how this event got started and has grown into one of the signature event(s) of the year.
Friday The Firkinteenth, a History
18 years ago I wanted to start doing cask ale at The Grey Lodge Pub. Cask ale requires a bit of education for most people, especially back then, so I needed a hook. During a Friday the 13th in 1997, while riding the El to my then 2nd job, I read that there would be three Friday the 13ths in 1998. Thirteen got me thinking of firkin, which was on my mind anyway, and Friday the Firkinteenth was born. It committed us to doing 3 in 1998.
The first Firkineenth started at 8pm. We have 2 pins and a golden gate, from Yards, Flying Fish and I think Victory. I didn't think we could kick a whole firkin, let alone 3. Times were very lean back then. I was just hoping to sell all the beer we bought and not lose any money. The first firkin at a Firkinteenth made its appearance at Firkinteenth #3 in Nov 1998.
That third Firkinteenth was actually quite successful and drew a big crowd. The Firkinteenth #4 had a lot of chatter from local breweries who were quite excited to do firkins for it. That's when I knew we had a hit.
The next Friday The Firkinteenth #31 is Friday March 13th at The Grey Lodge starting at Noon.