Brewer Q & A (Issue 21)

93 Rating – Heavy Seas Beer – Fielder's Choice

Responses from Heavy Seas brewaster Christopher Leonard.

Who came up with this beer's recipe?
This is a slight update on a beer we used to make, called Classic Lager. I tweaked it a bit, adding imported German Hallertau Mittlefrue hops (replacing American Warrior from the original recipe) to impart a subtle herbaceous quality. The soft noble hops gave it a softer bitterness up front and contributed to its well-rounded flavor profile.

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)? 
The drinkability is what stands out to me. The low ABV coupled with a crisp, clean malt flavor and subtle hop profile make this beer the perfect candidate for a multi-pint session.

Where does this beer’s name come from?
Our marketing folks came up with it. It's a tribute to Cal Ripken Jr.'s incredible consecutive game streak record. We donated some of the proceeds from this beer's sales to the Cal Ripken Sr. foundation, which "helps to build character and teach critical life lessons to disadvantaged young people residing in America's most distressed communities through baseball and softball-themed programs."

Is this your "desert island beer?"
Probably not, but I certainly wouldn't "vote it off the island." The drinkability is incredible, as I've mentioned, so it would certainly not go to waste! I prefer something a bit more aggressive, though I know several people for whom this is an everyday, go-to beer.  

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Soft, rounded bitterness with a clean, malt backbone. Very drinkable.

Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
When this beer was retired a few years ago, at least two of our brewers mourned, as it was their regular beer of choice. It was much more popular with our production staff than it was with our consumers at the time. The return of the slightly tweaked version was met with much anticipation from our brewers, and I believe we've sold more of this beer "in-house" than any other beer in 2015.

93 Rating – Wicked Weed Brewing – Freak of Nature

Responses from Wicked Weed co-owner Luke Dickinson.

Who came up with this beer's recipe?
It was a collaborative effort between my brother Walt and I. Normally he and I will talk about the concept – what we see it tasting like – then I will take a shot at designing the beer.

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)? 
Freak of Nature is just one of those beers that always relieves my hop hankerings. Its huge, earthy, dank hop aroma and grapefruity hop flavor make it one of my favorite beers to drink at home after a long day. 

Where does this beer’s name come from?
Freak of Nature's name simply came about because of the freakish amount of hops we use in this beer. 

Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
Freak of Nature was designed before Wicked Weed even opened. I was living in Delaware and Walt in NC. Every couple of weeks I would brew a version of what would become Freak of Nature, then send it down to Walt and we would taste it together over the phone. We would critique and edit the recipe, then it would be Walt's turn to take a stab at it. We did this probably ten times before landing on the final recipe.

93 Rating – Worthy Brewing – Lights Out Stout

Responses from Worthy brewmaster Dustin Kellner and Worthy lead brewer Jacob Zuchowski.

Who came up with this beer's recipe?
Chad Kennedy, Worthy’s former brewmaster.  

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)? 
The fact that it stands out in all areas. It’s technically Imperial, given the ABV. We add lactose and Bob’s Red Mill Oatmeal for a creamy, round body and mouthfeel. The whole Madagascar vanilla beans add a touch of sweetness and a killer aroma while still maintaining a roasty, hoppy, bitter bite.

Where does this beer’s name come from?
It was constructed by a tribunal whose members included Henry Kissinger, Aleister Crowley and Sting during an annual MadLib gala in the Hamptons. Honestly though, this is a black, viscous stout that comes in a can. It’s dark in there. Lights out!

Is this your "desert island beer?"
Not a question any brewer could ever answer, but given the multifaceted nature of this beer, its characteristics would keep you pleased for a long time. Based on the grain bill, we’re pretty sure you could subsist solely on Lights Out Stout indefinitely. 

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Everything and the kitchen sink stout.

Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
Prepping whole vanilla beans to add to the beer was very time-consuming and most definitely a labor of love. Also, the oats make for a good snack while milling in.