The holiday season has a special charm, and for beer enthusiasts, the Brewdog Advent Calendar has become a much-anticipated tradition. It’s not just a simple countdown to Christmas; it’s a daily discovery of unique and delicious beers. Brewdog, a renowned brewery known for its innovative and bold brewing styles, packs this advent calendar with a carefully curated selection of their finest brews. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer lover or someone looking to explore new flavors, opening each door of the Brewdog Advent Calendar reveals a world of hoppy wonders, rich malts, and experimental concoctions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into what beers you can expect to find, the stories behind them, and how to fully enjoy this beer-filled advent journey.
Understanding Brewdog
Brewdog has made a significant mark in the beer industry. Founded by two passionate beer lovers, James Watt and Martin Dickie, in 2007 in Fraserburgh, Scotland, it started as a small brewery with big dreams. Their mission was to revolutionize the beer scene by challenging the dominance of mass-produced lagers and introducing a wide array of craft beers. Over the years, Brewdog has expanded globally, with breweries in multiple countries and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of brewing. They are known for their edgy marketing, sustainability efforts, and a commitment to quality ingredients. This dedication is reflected in the beers that make up their advent calendar.
The Concept of the Advent Calendar
The advent calendar dates back to the 19th century, initially used as a religious countdown to Christmas. In recent decades, it has evolved into a fun and exciting way to count down the days until Christmas in various forms, including ones filled with chocolates, toys, and now, craft beers. Brewdog’s version takes this concept and elevates it for beer aficionados. Instead of the usual treats, each day from December 1st to December 24th reveals a different beer, allowing consumers to sample a diverse range of Brewdog’s portfolio. It’s a chance to try new releases, seasonal specials, and even some exclusive brews that might not be available elsewhere.
Types of Beers You Might Find
1. Pale Ales
Pale ales are a staple in Brewdog’s lineup and are likely to feature prominently in the advent calendar. Their flagship Punk IPA is a prime example. It’s a hop-forward beer with a citrusy and tropical fruit aroma, courtesy of the generous use of hops like Citra and Mosaic. The bitterness is well-balanced by a malt backbone that provides a touch of sweetness. Another pale ale you might encounter could be the Elvis Juice, which has a unique twist with grapefruit added during the brewing process. This gives it a zesty, refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of the beer, making it perfect for those who enjoy a tangy kick.
2. India Pale Ales (IPAs)
IPAs are all the rage in the craft beer world, and Brewdog is no stranger to brewing excellent ones. Their Hazy Jane IPA is a modern take on the style, with a hazy appearance due to the high levels of proteins and hop oils. It has a soft, creamy mouthfeel and an explosion of fruity flavors like mango, peach, and passionfruit. The hops used, such as Amarillo and Simcoe, contribute to the intense aroma and flavor. Then there’s the Dead Pony Club, a session IPA that packs a punch of hops but is lower in alcohol, making it ideal for sipping throughout the day. It has a light, crisp body and a hoppy finish that lingers on the palate.
3. Stouts and Porters
When the weather turns cold during the holiday season, a rich stout or porter can be a real treat. Brewdog’s Velvet Elvis is a chocolate and peanut butter stout that tastes like a decadent dessert in a glass. The combination of roasted malts, cocoa nibs, and real peanut butter creates a smooth, creamy texture and a flavor profile that’s reminiscent of a classic peanut butter cup. The Jet Black Heart is another standout, a coffee-infused stout that has a bold coffee aroma and a deep, roasty flavor. The coffee beans used are carefully selected to complement the maltiness of the beer, resulting in a complex and satisfying brew.
4. Seasonal and Special Releases
The advent calendar often includes beers that are specially brewed for the holiday season. These might have festive flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, reminiscent of Christmas cookies and mulled wine. One such beer could be the Gingerbread Porter, which combines the rich, dark flavors of a porter with the warm spices of gingerbread. It has a sweet, spicy aroma and a smooth, full-bodied taste that warms you up from the inside. There could also be limited-edition collaborations with other breweries or artists, adding an element of exclusivity and novelty to the calendar.
Tasting and Enjoying the Beers
1. The Right Glassware
Using the appropriate glassware can enhance your beer-drinking experience. For pale ales and IPAs, a tulip glass is recommended. Its shape helps to concentrate the aromas, allowing you to fully appreciate the hoppy and fruity scents. The wide rim also directs the beer to different parts of your tongue, maximizing the flavor perception. For stouts and porters, a snifter or a goblet works well. The bulbous shape traps the aromas, and the narrow opening directs them towards your nose as you sip. This is especially important for beers with complex flavor profiles like coffee or chocolate stouts.
2. Serving Temperature
Temperature matters when it comes to serving beer. Pale ales and IPAs are best enjoyed slightly chilled, around 7 – 10°C. This temperature range brings out the hop flavors and aromas while maintaining a refreshing quality. Stouts and porters, on the other hand, should be served a bit warmer, around 10 – 14°C. At this temperature, the rich flavors of the malt, coffee, and chocolate notes can fully develop, and the viscosity of the beer feels just right on the palate.
3. Pairing with Food
Pairing the beers from the advent calendar with the right food can take your tasting experience to the next level. A hoppy IPA like Hazy Jane pairs well with spicy foods. The bitterness of the beer cuts through the heat, while the fruity flavors complement the spices. Try it with buffalo wings or a spicy Thai curry. A chocolate stout like Velvet Elvis is a match made in heaven with desserts. Pair it with a chocolate brownie or vanilla ice cream for a decadent combination. The sweetness of the dessert enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors in the beer.
Behind the Scenes: Brewing Process
1. Ingredient Selection
Brewdog is meticulous about the ingredients they use. For the grains, they source high-quality malted barley from trusted farmers. The type of malt determines the color and flavor of the beer. Lighter malts are used for pale ales to give a golden hue and a crisp flavor, while darker malts like roasted barley are essential for stouts to create that deep black color and rich, roasty taste. Hops are another crucial ingredient, and Brewdog experiments with different varieties from around the world. They look for hops that can provide unique aromas and flavors, whether it’s the citrusy notes of American hops or the earthy, spicy flavors of European hops.
2. Fermentation and Conditioning
The fermentation process is where the magic happens. Brewdog uses specific yeast strains that are carefully selected for each beer style. For example, for their fruity IPAs, a yeast strain that produces esters, which enhance the fruity aroma, is used. The fermentation temperature and time are closely monitored to ensure the right amount of alcohol is produced and the flavors develop properly. After fermentation, the beer goes through a conditioning period. This allows the flavors to mellow and blend together. It can also help to clarify the beer, removing any sediment or haze, depending on the desired style.
3. Packaging and Quality Control
Once the beer is ready, it’s packaged with care. The bottles and cans are designed to protect the beer from light and oxygen, which can degrade the quality. Brewdog has strict quality control measures in place. Each batch of beer is tested for alcohol content, bitterness, and flavor. They have a team of tasters who evaluate the beer to make sure it meets the brewery’s high standards. This attention to detail ensures that every beer you find in the advent calendar is of the best quality.
The Community Aspect
1. Sharing and Discussing
The Brewdog Advent Calendar has created a community of beer lovers. People share their experiences on social media, comparing notes on the beers they’ve tasted each day. There are online forums and groups dedicated to discussing the flavors, aromas, and overall impressions of the beers. It’s a great way to connect with other enthusiasts, learn about different tasting preferences, and even discover new ways to enjoy the beers. You might come across a post about someone pairing a particular beer with an unexpected food item, inspiring you to try it yourself.
2. Brewdog Events and Tastings
Brewdog often hosts events related to their advent calendar. They might have in-store tastings where you can sample some of the beers before purchasing the calendar. These events are a chance to meet the brewers, ask questions about the brewing process, and get a sneak peek into the stories behind the beers. Additionally, there could be virtual tastings during the holiday season, where people from all over the world can join in, share their thoughts, and celebrate the love of craft beer together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Brewdog Advent Calendar is a treasure trove of beer delights. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and seasonal specials, it offers a daily adventure for your taste buds. Understanding the brewery, the brewing process, and how to best enjoy the beers enhances the experience. Whether you’re savoring a beer on your own by the fireplace or sharing your thoughts with the online beer community, this advent calendar brings the joy of craft beer to the holiday season. So, as December approaches, get ready to open each door and embark on a journey of beer discovery that will surely make your holidays a little more hoppy and a lot more fun.
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