urban trappist brewery
image mixed from this painting and a screenshot from nosferatu
Biography
Put That in Your Pipe Porter had run out, so I needed a dark beer. I wanted to get into the sensuous stout game, but I couldn't bring myself to be so conventional. So, I used those desserty ingredients and trampled Reinheitsgebot by lagering it and calling it a doppelbock. With the apartment vacant for 2 weeks around Christmas, I seized the opportunity to slash utility bills and ferment at an unlivably low temperature. I returned to my best beer so far.
Creation
A relatively simple brew, nothing wild, nothing especially innovative, so the session flowed smoothly and I was able to pack up my Secret Santa sled while deliciousness boiled in the kitchen.
Stats
Style: Doctored DoppelbockBase Grain: Vienna, Pilsner
Adjunct Grains: Rye Malt, White Wheat, Special, Caravienne, Chocolate Rye, Chocolate Malt, Oats
Hops: Cluster, Perle, Kent Goldings, Cascade
Curious Additives: Coffee Beans, Cocoa, Star Anise, Vanilla
Yeast: WLP 820 - Oktoberfest/Marzen
Special Processes: As my notes read, "Dropped thermostat to 45, saw vigorous activity, shivered, skipped town." Also, aged one gallon with bourbon-soaked oak chips for 2 months, which became amazing but also overcarbonated.
OG: 1.??? / FG: 1.???
ABV: Just right.
Color: Look at the label and the name and figure it out.
Head: Slender and dark
Flavors: Very much coffee, but in a mellow, Americano way, not espresso. Very thick and velvety, which channels the chocolate flavors perfectly. The small amount that was aged in oak acquired a depth that is matched by few commercial brews. This is a great beer.