Brewer Q & A (Issue 21)

92 Rating – Funkwerks, Inc. – Tropic King

Responses from Funkwerks co-founder Gordon Schuck.

Who came up with this beer's recipe?
Tropic King was originally designed to be a hoppier version of our flagship Saison.

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)? 
It has a fruit-forward character with a little bit of a hoppy bite, as well as a pleasant spiciness from the Saison yeast.

Where does this beer’s name come from?
We used the unique New Zealand hop variety, Rakau, which gives this beer ample tropical fruit flavors. When it was first brewed, it was the strongest and boldest beer of our lineup, so we named it Tropic King.

Is this your "desert island beer?"
Tropic King is bright and refreshing, but at 8% ABV, it packs a punch, which would get you through whatever pain being stranded on a desert island might bring. Additionally, Tropic King would pair perfectly with exotic, tropical fruits that may be growing on the island. Depending on the level of intoxication one desires while stranded on an island, our Raspberry Provincial would also be a great candidate for a “desert island beer.” It is refreshing and quite sessionable at 4.2% ABV.

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Notes of passion fruit, mango, peach, pepper and ginger. 

Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
Tropic King came about by accident. It was the 4th beer Funkwerks ever brewed and I wanted it to be a very pale beer, as light as our Saison. Unintentionally, Brad [Lincoln, Funkwerks co-founder] put in two extra bags of Munich malt. This fortuitous accident balanced the hop bitterness, leaving a unique Imperial Saison that has become our best-selling beer.

92 Rating – Surly Brewing Co. – Overrated West Coast Style IPA

Responses from Surly head brewer Todd Haug.

Who came up with this beer's recipe?
I did.

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)? 
The balance between malt and hops. It's a dry and crisp beer with hints of caramel malt backing up the classic American hop varieties' bitterness and floral/citric aroma.

Where does this beer’s name come from?
We originally brewed this beer for the Minnesota Twins' Target Field stadium as "Band Wagon IPA," but the brewers at Band Wagon Brewing had an issue with the name, so we revamped the recipe and changed it to Overrated!. The name is poking fun at ourselves and the beer nerd community!

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Classic Midwest IPA with hop bitterness and floral-citric aroma.

92 Rating – Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits – Calm Before The Storm

Responses from Ballast Point VP and specialty brewer Colby Chandler.

Who came up with this beer's recipe?
This beer was developed by a team of cross-department employees taking advantage of our in-house brewing program called Roots to Boots. Roots to Boots is a program developed by Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits to educate the staff at Ballast Point on the process of beer making and to give them the chance to be a professional brewer for the day. They get to pick what beer they want to brew, develop a recipe, get a paid day from their normal job to brew the beer on our 5-barrel research and development brewery, and then get to enjoy the beer at our tasting rooms and at home with their friends and family – all things that we professional brewers get to frequently enjoy.

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)? 
I really like all the bold, dark and robust flavors that jump out of this deceptive golden ale. Reserved bitterness enhances the silky body, making this a gateway beer for palates not familiar with the craft beer's diversity.

Where does this beer’s name come from?
Calm Before the Storm came from a quest for a warm weather alternative to our winter seasonal, Victory at Sea Imperial Porter. Like its more robust cousin, we infuse a punch of flavor using cold brewed Caffé Calabria coffee and a hint of vanilla. But this time, we added it to a lower ABV and lighter-bodied golden cream ale.

Is this your "desert island beer?"
More like a beer to pair with a dessert on a desert island! Pair this cream ale with a white chocolate and macadamia nut crème brûlée, coconut red velvet cupcake or a banana dipped in chocolate!

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
A surprisingly bright, coffee-forward golden beer that’s perfectly refreshing. 

Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
The team was originally inspired by one of their favorite beers, Naughty Sauce, a golden milk stout made by Noble Ale Works. An example of the respect our employees have (and a tip of the hat) to our brewing neighbors up in Orange County!