FBC's beers are brewed with only all-natural ingredients and to date have received numerous national and regional rewards. Additionally, it was recently presented with a Product Innovation Award at the 1997 Hemp Industry Association Convention. The hemp seeds, in addition to contributing a mellow herbal flavor and aroma, give the beer its creamy head. This novel beer recalls the fact that cannabis and hops are botannically brother plants. In addition to the hemp seeds, Hempen contains 2-row, Caramel 40, Carapils, and Chocolate malts.
Cascade hops provide flavor and aroma.
According to brewer Steve Nordahl, if pre-release orders hold up, Hempen Ale will eclipse the whole Blue Ridge line in sales. In the production of most commercially available beers, the yeast and proteins are filtered out following the secondary fermentation, and the beer is force carbonated in bright tanks. This is done to increase clarity and assure consistency of the finished product. It also removes a great deal of the mouth feel, flavors, and character of thebeer. Since all Blind Man products are unfiltered in order to naturally carbonate, there is a noticeable layer of sediment in the bottom of each bottle.