There's A Beer Made From Roald Dahl's Writing Chair Yeast

Once upon a time in a land called London, England, there was a charming brewery called 40FT Brewery & Taproom. It stood in the eastern part of the bustling metropolis and welcomed thirsty guests with cold pilsners, IPAs, and ciders, and a cozy atmosphere. One day, while creating a new ale, the brew masters and their lovely food designer friends from Bompas & Parr took some water, hops, plenty of grain — and yeast from Roald Dahl's writing chair. Thus began the first steps of making what would become known as Mr. Twit's Odious Ale. Would it, indeed, become the brewery's happily ever after?

The tale is true and, while it's difficult to digest the reality that yeast really does develop on furniture, it honestly came from the master storyteller's seat. Writers, avid readers, and adventurous beer drinkers were likely intrigued by this unconventional brew, knowing that part of it came from the place where Dahl penned classics like "Matilda" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Even if you have trouble swallowing the concept, you can't deny that trying it would literally be having a taste of history.

Seeing as Mr. Dahl's writing chair resides at the Roald Dahl Museum in the village of Great Missenden in England, the brewers needed the permission of Dahl's estate to obtain the yeast. Once they did, the sample was swabbed from the wood of the chair that the famous author spent hours and hours in, writing about chocolate factories, giant peaches, and witches that turn kids into mice. The armchair itself was his mother's, but was specially adapted for Dahl later, who suffered pain from a back injury he got during World War II. As a result, it was uncomfortable for him to write at a desk so, instead, he worked from his cushy chair. A homemade board on top of a roll of cardboard acted as his writing table.

Anyone who appreciates a good book can appreciate the fact that every one of Dahl's magical books was concocted from this seat. Perhaps the brewers at 40FT were looking to obtain a touch of this magic when they decided to use it as a source of brewers' yeast. They took only a single swab, which was used to culture all of the yeast necessary to make the Odious Ale.

The cans of Mr. Twit's Odious Ale proclaim it is a beer "Brewed with disgustingly delicious detritus from Roald Dahl's writing chair." Collaborator Bompas & Parr describe it as brewed in the Polish style, using oak smoked wheat malt, giving the final product a substantial amount of smoke flavor. Those who have tried it point out notes of smoke, wheat, sour lemon, spiciness, bitterness, and even weirdness.

So, where would such an idea even come from? 2016 marked what would have been Roald Dahl's 100th birthday. That year, Bompas & Parr collaborated with a theater group that hosted "Dinner at the Twits." It was an interactive dinner and show that revolved around two of Dahl's most memorable literary characters, Mr. and Mrs. Twit. Naturally, the menu and beverages followed the Dahl theme — including the beer created with 40FT with the unconventional yeast. It appears that the ale is now sold out, and it remains unclear whether or not more will be made in the future. Whether you think the idea was good or gross, you can't deny that the beer made a statement and remains memorable — just like Roald Dahl himself.