The Belgian Quadrupel is a style one might associate with decades of Trappist-brewed tradition, when in actuality, it was first coined a style in 1991 in the Netherlands. History lesson aside, these strong dark Belgian-style ales have their American fanatics too, and we try to explore multiple facets of the style through this episode. Also, we talk about non-existent emojis, raw bread, a Sorting Habit, accidental chocolate hand, and Craig accidentally drinking syrup. Our pour discipline is poor on this one. 

Beers Reviewed

Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven - La Trappe Quadrupel

Spencer Brewery - Monks’ Reserve Ale

Une Année Brewery - Quad

Lo Rez Brewing - Rum Barrel-Aged Quad Core

Old Irving Brewing Co. - Barrel-Aged As Time Goes By

Summer Craig’s travels brought him to the Steel City of Pittsburgh to explore their vibrant beer scene and bring back five beers for the podcast. We have an unusual mix of styles from five different Pittsburgh breweries, but they impress in ways that make us want to wave our Terrible Towels. Also, Craig has a disorienting experience with the wrath of God at the amusement park, we honor the Warhol Museum Balloon Wrangler, bring Retchy into the fold for one particularly hungover host, and explain how our saggy beers support our pointy ales. 

Beers Reviewed

Old Thunder Brewing Company - Ordinary Stillage (English session ale)

Trace Brewing - Foeder Pils (Czech pilsner aged in an oak foeder)

Cinderlands Beer Co. - Gregg (Blended saison)

Strange Roots Experimental Ales - Mortal Eidolon (Barrel-aged sour ale aged on grape must)

Grist House Craft Brewrey - Solar Submarine (Sour ale w/ tangerine, blood orange, chocolate, vanilla, milk sugar, and graham cracker)

Keeping Together, the saison-focused project from Averie Swanson, has brought world-class mixed culture farmhouse-style beers to Chicago - if even for all too short of a time. We catch up with Averie about the future of Keeping Together as its time in Chicago comes to a close, but we also talk with the Master Cicerone and former co-owner/head brewer at Jester King about her evolution as a brewer and business owner - and it feels like she’s just getting started. Also, we extol the virtues of saison as a style, discuss the ups and downs of destination breweries, praise a few more local saison makers, explore the inspiration behind her beer names, and consider a few Chicago delicacies like Home Depot hot dogs and Chicago Handshakes. Then, there’s a whole other segment where Craig and Ryan drink through five Keeping Together beers and just go on and on about how great they are, so you should listen to that too. We also talk about special occasion fonts, pastry saisons, and a new take-home edition of Gushy. 

Interview with Averie Swanson (00:06:39 - 00:49:46)

Beers Reviewed

At The Still Point of the Turning World (Saison made with buckwheat and rye)
We Are Not the Counter Culture (Saison brun)

From the Outer Edge of Inner Space (Bitter saison with Galaxy hops and wildflower honey)

The Grace of Maybe (Saison with peaches, vanilla, and lemongrass)

Preoccupied with Memory and Expectation (Saison with Japanese Red Shiso leaf, burnt honey, and dry-hopped with Sabro hops)

The good folks at Necromancer Brewing in Pittsburgh want to bring dead beer styles back to life, learning from the past while also using modern techniques and ingredients to reinvigorate these long-dormant styles for a new audience. On the first day that their taproom opened, Craig happened to be in town and was lucky to chat with head brewer Lauren Hughes before buying up almost every can they had to offer. Lauren shares the journey that led to Necromancer’s opening and the long-term vision of expansion, while articulating why these styles all deserve a second chance. Also, we consider a new take on BYO, sample the hot Jerrysauce, and open up our little bock book. Remember, there’s no resurrection in seltzer. 

Lauren Hughes Interview 00:08:36 - 00:25:45

Beers Reviewed

Square Dancing (Kentucky Common)

Wildwood (Grisette)

Laissez-Faire (Witbier)

Cold Feet (Cold IPA)

Poker Face (Black IPA)