LACOMBE, AB – Blindman Brewing has announced the release of a beer more than four years in the making, as well as the latest in its ongoing series of foeder-aged lagers.
Spōns: 001 (6.1% abv):
Spōns is our first ever spontaneously fermented beer, which is what brewers call it when we move wort (beer before it’s beer) into a long, shallow, open top vessel called a koelschip. Instead of the usual method of cooling the boiling wort down via an industrial heat exchanger then transferring it in a sterile, airless vessel where we add yeast, a koelschip allows the wort to cool down naturally over time.
Since yeast naturally occurs everywhere out in the elements, we relied strictly on nature to work its magic on this beer, essentially letting it sit outside overnight on the first day of its life so it could mix and mingle with all of the microflora and yeast particles dancing in the autumn air. Almost 5 years later, the result is a Lambic-style of beer most similar to a Gueuze – think ‘funky sour saison’.
Foedered Lager: Damnation Maibock (8.2% abv):
Maibocks (or Helles Bocks) are German, Bock-style lagers brewed specifically for Spring time. This hefty lager will pair well with a charcuterie board full of strong cheeses. You’ll taste notes of graham cracker, toasted biscuit, and some light honey-like sweetness in this one, and of course a subtle hint of oak since this spent several weeks in our oak foeder, as is tradition with this series.
Both beers will be available this wee at the Blindman Brewing taproom and online shop, and select beer retailers in Alberta.
Source & Photo: Blindman Brewing