urban trappist brewery

image is photoshop enhanced

Biography

Michigan has been a muse for writing, running, and introspection. Channeling it for beer was the inevitably next step. Paying homage to the great cherries of Traverse Bay, I plotted a beer whose richness could stand up to the chills of Lake Michigan and summon the region's creative spirits by invoking and infusing those god-like red globes.

Creation

This was one of the best brew sessions I have had to date, as everything went smoothly and I was able to lounge/work while the grains steeped or the wort boiled. This sort of good aura can only produce great beer.

Stats

Style: Fruited Dubbel
Base Grain: Halcyon, Maris Otter
Adjunct Grains: Acid, Aromatic, Victory, Crystal Rye, Special B, Roasted Malt
Hops: Kent Goldings
Curious Additives: Dried Cherries (in boil and secondary), Apple Cider (secondary)
Yeast: WLP 530 - Abbey Ale
OG: 1.065 / FG: 1.018 (note that these numbers are made meaningless due to the sugar content of the dried cherries)
ABV: Somewhere around 8 or 9
Color: Rich Mahogany
Head: Decapitated
Flavors: Fabulous sourness from the beginning, well balanced by the rich malty flavors and a slight hint of toastiness. Cherries will be even more prominent in the end result, but the thick richness may fade relative to additional tartness from the fruit and the cider. Nonetheless, I expect you will never taste it because I am a greedy hoarder.