LB-068 Maggie IX
Another winter, another tail. We remix the old muse into something fresh and new.
Our ninth and final iteration of our annual ode to Maggie, our ever present muse and inspiration. In 2018, we took a minor detour by brewing a champagne like Brut IPA. This year we return to a traditional winter ale begging the question, "If a spruce tree falls on a gingerbread house...?"
A multi-layered (not muddy) blend of flavors of the holiday season.
Skagit Valley Malting Copeland 2-Row is the base and 59% of the grain bill. Victory pushes the nutty notes forward and adds a biscuit quality reminiscent of holiday breads. The Carapils adds body and head retention and has become a standard Luddite component. Chocolate Malt brings a rich, roasted flavor. The next three malts add various caramelized flavors. The Honey Malt adds a nutty honey flavor. Crystal 80 and Dark Munich bring caramel flavors and deep red color tones.
It is the holiday season, so adjuncts are not only allowed but encouraged. Honey, as a late addition, adds sweet & dry notes while significantly bumping up the ABV. Belgian Candi is syrup adds notes of cherry and stone fruit. Spruce is the signature ingredient. Dried figs, apricots and cherries are macerated separately in white wine then added to the kettle as a late addition. We add mugwort, woodruff and heather to the mix just because we can.
Brewed on November 23, 2019 and kegged on December 8, 2020. You can view the recipe here.