We love collaborations in the craft beer industry because the whole exceeds the sum of its parts. Sure, it’s still a beer, but, and not to get too spiritual on you, I think the collaboration itself imbues a brew with just a dash of something more than hops, malt and yeast. We get news on various collaborations all of the time, but this one stood out to us for the greater tribute it, unfortunately, became.
This beer is the symbolic result of years of collaboration between now neighboring breweries, GoodLife Brewing and The Ale Apothecary. As two distinct versions of what an independent American craft brewery is and represents, the two designed a Brett Lager to take elements from both breweries to create something new and unique:
First, we brewed a Dortmunder style lager at GoodLife’s production facility. After 2 months of cold-conditioning, we transferred the beer into Sokol Blosser barrels and allowed the beer to warm up to ale temperatures, then added The Ale Apothecary’s wild house yeast culture to further evolve the beer during the 18-month barrel aging process.
The house culture from The Ale Apothecary provides intense aromas of tropical and stone fruits, benefitting from completely natural carbonation from bottle fermentation. Fresh cut hay, funky barnyard notes and figs are reminiscent of Belgian lambic while the initial lager characteristics of Mecca Grade Estate malt and yeast are still evident and intertwined. This beer was made with The Ale Apothecary’s finely tuned aging process and GoodLife’s adventurous style to create a truly wild beer experience!
This special Brett is now making its debut but, unfortunately GoodLife Brewing’s Brewmaster and Co-Founder Curt Plants suddenly passed away in April, missing out on the culmination of his vision:
Plants always talked about a man in the woods who was creating some of the best beers in the world and he wanted to figure out a way to create a beer with him. Curt’s business partner and Co-Founder, Ty Barnett said:
“This beer has been something Curt was working on for many years. We have known Paul, at The Ale Apothecary, since he opened it. It started by him needing a place to have materials shipped with a high dock and somewhere trucks could get in to in the winter. Then, between beers Curt and Paul began talking about a crazy collaboration.”
This special collaboration, is now dedicated in memory of Curt Plants. Brett Lager will be available for sale at both The Ale Apothecary and GoodLife Brewing’s tap rooms, as well as limited distribution in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and we suggest if you are able that you seek it out and really savor it. And follow Barnett’s advice:
“Sadly, Curt was never able to try the final accomplishment. Having passed away in April, as you drink this delicious brew, cheers Curt and Paul for making this truly one of a kind beer!”
