Brewer Q & A – Summer 2016 (Issue 25)

93 Rating – Ska Brewing Co. – Steel Toe Milk Stout

Responses from Ska brewer Thomas Larsen.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
It was originally created by Bill and Jeff Ogden (previous Head Brewer) but we made some changes to it a few years ago and took back-to-back Golds at GABF and WBC!

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
The velvety, smooth mouthfeel is out of this world; it still doesn’t come across as heavy, even with healthy residual sweetness. Sometimes it can even come across so balanced you might not think it's a Sweet Stout.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
This was originally just named Milk Stout but someone beat us to the punch with trademarking and we wanted it to reflect a working person's choice of tasty beverage so we went with Steel Toe, not to mention an owner's previous affinity for Doc Martens.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Smooth, chocolaty deliciousness.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Nothing difficult here, just desserts! Most sweet desserts (whether fruit- or chocolate-based) will be heavenly alongisde Steel Toe.

Photo Credit: Scott Smith

93 Rating – Rogue Ales & Spirits – 7 Hop IPA

Responses from Rogue founder and brewmaster John Maier.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
Rogue Farms came up with this recipe. If taking in deep breaths of air, thick with aroma from hops growing on bines wasn't inspiration, then I don't know what was. This was our first IPA from the Rogue Farms Hop Family series and really a catalyst to brew the rest of the Hop Family beers too.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
It's both bold and balanced. 

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
7 Hops -- simple and easy to understand. We let the hops speak for themselves and even write the number 7 on the bottle just to be sure.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
It's a great synergy of aroma, bitterness and malt.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Spicy tofu curry.