E-Malt.com News article: USA, TX: Saint Arnold Brewing Co. releases Saint Arnold Bitter Belgian

Saint Arnold Brewing Company, the oldest craft brewery in Texas, announced plans to release the fourth brew of its popular “Movable Yeast” series: Saint Arnold Bitter Belgian, Craftbeer.com reported on February, 7.

It is an alternate version of Saint Arnold Elissa IPA made with Belgian Trappist yeast. Saint Arnold Bitter Belgian will be available on tap at the brewery as well as at select bars and restaurants throughout Texas.

The concept behind the Movable Yeast series is to focus on the flavor contribution of yeast. This release was created by brewing a regular batch of Saint Arnold Elissa IPA, which debuted in 2004, and splitting the wort (unfermented beer) into two 60 barrel fermenters. One fermenter was pitched with the usual Saint Arnold yeast to make Saint Arnold Elissa IPA and the second fermenter was pitched with Belgian Trappist yeast to create Saint Arnold Bitter Belgian.

“I encourage everyone to start by appreciating the aroma, which is full of cloves with a grapefruit undercurrent,” said Saint Arnold founder/brewer Brock Wagner who has used these same tasting techniques as a judge at the Great American Beer Festival.

As was the case with the other brews in the Moveable Yeast series, Wagner encourages craft beer enthusiasts to try Bitter Belgian side-by-side with Elissa IPA to get the full impact of the Belgian Trappist yeast.

The previous brews in the Moveable Yeast series were greeted with rave reviews and strong demand as craft beer enthusiasts enjoyed learning about the significant role yeast plays in influencing the aroma and flavor of craft beer. The reception for the first beer in the series, Saint Arnold Weedwacker, was so strong that the brewery added it to its year-round lineup. However, production pressures at the brewery necessitated a one-year hiatus for the series.

Saint Arnold Bitter Belgian will not be bottled. It will start showing up on draft in select bars and restaurants throughout Texas at the end of next week, although some accounts may choose to hold off on tapping their kegs for special occasions. Supplies tend to last just a few weeks.


17 February, 2012