pFriem Family Brewers Head Brewer Gavin Lord Talks pFriem + Alesong

We spoke with pFriem Family Brewers Head Brewer Gavin Lord about pFriem + Alesong.

Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
The pFriem team!

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
This was really our first foray into the realm of cocktail-inspired beers, and it was really important to us to find a balance between it smelling and tasting like an Old Fashioned, and it drinking like a beer. My favorite aspect of this beer is that juxtaposition.

Where does this beer’s name come from?
We collaborated with Alesong on the base beer, which we brewed at pFriem and then aged in bourbon barrels in our two facilities. After about a year on oak, Alesong blended their barrels off in the image of a Manhattan, and we emulated the Old Fashioned.

Is this your “desert island beer?”
While it would remind me of the loving and collaborative nature of our industry, at what would, presumably, be a very lonely time, no. Practically, I’d have to go for pilsner.

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Refined, Citrus, Bourbon, Clean.

Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
Brian Coombs (Head Brewer and Blender at Alesong) and I have always got along. I have tremendous respect for Alesong’s beers and Brian’s palate. He and I spent an evening tasting through pFriem’s barrel house and trading philosophies. pFriem Old Fashioned and Alesong Manhattan are the joyous representations of our friendship and camaraderie. 

What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Ribeye.

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