pFriem Family Brewers Head Brewer Gavin Lord Talks Maple Barrel Aged Smoked Porter

We spoke with pFriem Family Brewers Head Brewer Gavin Lord about Maple Barrel Aged Smoked Porter.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe? 
The pFriem Team!

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)? 
I love the way the Rauch malt has integrated itself over the course of barrel-aging. What we were looking for through its inclusion wasn't smoke necessarily, but rather a nuanced savory note to balance the big sweet flavors and aromas of maple and dark chocolate.  

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from? 
It's named for the recipe and process, it's a lightly smoked Porter aged in a maple syrup barrel. 

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?” 
No, this is my snowed-in cabin beer. 

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less? 
Chocolate mousse, maple, decadent.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer? 
This beer was inspired by a donut. I never had much of a sweet tooth, but occasionally my folks would take me to Roth's IGA for a Tiger Tail, which is a maple bar with chocolate added. I found it greatly improved by two slices of bacon. While this isn't a dessert beer by any means, we wanted to convey that balance of sweet and savory that I discovered as a kid.       

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer? 
Oysters, mussels, lobster, crab, cams, scallops, and calamari. Ham, prosciutto, pancetta, and bacon. Hearty beef stews, short ribs, root vegetables, potatoes, stuffing. Chocolate based desserts, such as truffles, crème brûlée, raspberry or strawberry tart. And of course, pancakes!

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