With the holidays fast approaching, you’d think we’d be slowing down a bit but we’re far from that. We’ve had an extra canning run with one of our most popular beers and today the return of our beloved American Stout, Check Raise (you can read my previous Spotlight on Check Raise here). We have many bottles that have been conditioning for some time and are awaiting release (See WBUR’s recent articleforeshadowing the release of our Four Horsemen). We even have some new recipes we’re trying out (See Vinepair article on new releases, then be like me and just get another mug of Adelais), which brings us to this weeks spotlight. A bit of planning ahead for warmer weather and a craving for lighter and more refreshing ales and lagers, I wanted to test out a new IPA recipe. This time using honey as a source to boost aromatics and compliment fruitier hop characteristics. I am happy to present to you our new IPA brewed with honey, Honeyball.
Brewed with some inspiration from our previous work with honey in our farmhouse ales, like Croupier and our collaboration with Brato Brewhouse and Kitchen, Bluten. We sought to add soft floral and citrus oil notes with the addition of orange blossom. Contrary to what most people believe, honey DOES NOT ADD SWEETNESS TO BEER. I can’t stress this enough. The sugars in honey are almost entirely consumed by the yeast (roughly 90%). Honey does add wonderfully soft aromas from the pollen that the honey was made from. In the case of Honeyball, stopping to sniff the beer can inspire the feeling of sitting in the middle of an orange grove. Citrus and floral notes fill the air. That combined with a hearty dry hopping of Motueka, Cascade, Simcoe and El Dorado; intense notes of ripe mango, limeade, and naval orange juice can be found with a full mouthfeel, soft bitterness, and slightly dry finish. Pair this with soft ripened creamy cheeses, fresh spring mixed salads, or roasted white meats. While it might be a little chilly to start thinking about flowers and groves, think of it like a little escape from the cold in your imagination while you enjoy this beer. Cheers! — Lead Brewer Brett Bauer
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