Oyster Stout Revival in Md.

I've been a fan of a properly-done oyster stout since first encountering Fordham's Blue Point Oyster Stout at the Ram's Head in Annapolis in the mid-1990s.  In recent years the style had disappeared from Fordham's portfolio, abandoned by the Ram's Head in favor of a re-tweaking to "Genius Stout" on nitro pour.  Lately the style has been reintroduced on the local market by Ireland's Porterhouse, and then by Flying Fish, Harpoon, and Sixpoint.

Now it's Flying Dog's turn, as per their press release:

A dry stout brewed with local oysters, Pearl Necklace was the brainchild of Flying Dog, Rappahannock River Oysters, and Baltimore’s Woodberry Kitchen.

“Both Rappahannock and Woodberry were great partners in educating us on the oyster issues facing the Chesapeake Bay,” Flying Dog Brewmaster Matt Brophy said. “When we became fully aware of how crucial oysters are to the Bay’s fragile ecosystem, we knew we needed to do more than just brew a beer.”

Proceeds from Pearl Necklace will benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership, which coordinates and conducts large-scale oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay. Both Woodberry Kitchen and Rappahannock River Oysters work closely with the Partnership on shell recycling programs and more.

“Woodberry Kitchen has been one of the most ardent supporters of our program to help restore the oyster population in the Bay, and Flying Dog jumped right in to help us both drive an innovative angle for reaching more consumers with our message of restoration and revitalization,” Travis Croxton, owner of Rappahannock River Oysters, said.

Pearl Necklace will be released in mid-November on draft only in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

“We are pumped that this beer is coming out at the start of oyster season,” Corey Polyoka, restaurant manager at Woodberry Kitchen, said. “Finally, we have a beer made with Chesapeake oysters to drink with Chesapeake oysters. It’s as good a food pairing as Muscadet, but is much more about where we are in the world – a better representation of our culture.”

The beer’s launch will be at Woodberry Kitchen on Monday, November 14. From 6 to 9 pm, they will be pouring Pearl Necklace, shucking Rappahannock River oysters, jamming to Cris Jacobs with members of The Bridge. Tickets are $35. Space is limited, so reservations through Woodberry are required and should be made soon.

Other Pearl Necklace release parties include:
-- Alewife in Baltimore, MD; Tuesday, November 15 at 6 pm
-- Firestone’s Culinary Tavern in Frederick, MD; Thursday November 17 at 5 pm
-- Olney Ale House in Olney, MD; Thursday, November 17 at 6 pm
-- Hank’s Oyster Bar in Washington, DC; Monday, November 21 at 5 pm
-- Hellas Restaurant and Lounge in Millersville, MD; Friday, November 25 at 5 pm