Top 100 Beers of 2018

#4

96
by Dan Martich
Jewbelation 22
Shmaltz Brewing Co.

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Founder Jeremy Cowan Talks Jewbelation 22

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
As has happened for 22 years, I love playing the role of art director to talented and motivated brewers who bring their professional focus to the nitty-gritty recipe development. This year, our head brewer Chris “Duffy” DuFrain and my longtime friend and new on-call brewmaster Micah Krichinsky (graduate of Master Brewers program in Davis, CA and half a decade brewing with Dogfish Head) finalized the recipe with a nod to Jewbelation recipes of the past from our 11th Anniversary, 16th Anniversary and 20th Anniversary. This year, 11 malts, 11 hops, 11 percent ABV to celebrate 22 years; it looks like we nailed it and we’re super happy about the outcome!

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
A perfect question because Jewbelation has never been a style! Not a porter, not a stout, not a barleywine... the Jewbelation series is essentially a triple brown ale riffing off the base of our Messiah Nut Brown Ale. Everything jacked up in equal parts malts, hops, and ABV for a truly unique flavor profile.

What makes this beer truly world class?
Anybody who has worked with me knows that I’m so proud of the recipes, uniqueness and execution of our brewing tribe. I’m so excited about the amazing complexity that this Jewbelation series has resulted in year after year. I am proud to serve these beers alongside so many world-class beers, so many of my favorites both locally, nationally and internationally.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
Every year my favorite element is the adventure - what a unique way to structure a massive American Strong Ale! I think I’m probably most attracted to the malt bill with complex caramel, toasted and roasty notes, but every year the big blast of repeated hop additions brings together very compelling layers of curiosity.

How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
Year after year since our eighth anniversary introducing the Jewbelation series, so many enthusiastic friends and customers come back to us with stories of enjoying, sharing, saving and savoring this wonderful beer lineup. This series was crucial in the development of our line of extreme beers both in technical expertise and outrageous flavors – a huge part of our evolution getting us to where we are now.

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
“He knows changes aren’t permanent, but change is.”

Judge’s Second Opinion

This beer reminds me of a similar beer I brewed many years ago. In anticipation of moving I wanted to use up most of my residual brewing ingredients. All kinds of malts were added, and the result was a deeply malt-layered beer with an ABV at around 10 percent ABV. My dad and brother came over one night, and we proceeded to drink the beer and chat into the wee hours of the morning. I had to work the next day, and I must admit it was a painful morning and rest of the day after imbibing such a hefty brew!

The malt richness of Shmaltz’s Jewbelation 22 makes it ideal for winter sipping. It is complex with notes of caramel, nuttiness and toffee. The fruity esters complement the malt notes incredibly well with dark raisins and dark sugar depth. There’s a low degree of hops just for balance without adding too much in the way of flavor or bitterness. Some other commercial examples may focus on the hops coming forward, but here it’s all about the layered flavors of the malts.

A stick-to-your-ribs kind of brew that would pair well with just about anything on your dinner table. Although not a spiced traditional Christmas beer, this beer’s immense malt quotient speaks to the holidays in the same way. – Dan Martich