From the Beer Writer: I hail from long lines of military servicemen. My father served in the Army during Desert Storm. My grandfather on my mother’s side served in the Navy during World War II. My stepfather worked jointly with the Marines while in the Navy, serving numerous tours in the Middle East. I have a deep and heartfelt respect for Armed Service veterans after witnessing their sacrifices at such a close proximity, and it’s an honor to shine a light on a beer brewed to celebrate them: Freedom Stout. This specialty ale was produced at all-organic Miramar interest Protector Brewery with help from the crew at nearby Thunderhawk Alements and Pat Korn of work-in-progress San Marcos brewpub My Yard Live. And though it was released on Veteran’s Day, due to its innovative recipe, it is ideally suited for another holiday…Christmas. At first glance, one might doubt that. Lavender and rosemary don’t transport folks to a winter wonderland like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, peppermint or raisins, but somehow this indigenous garden duo come together with deep-roasted chocolate malt and Imperial Yeast‘s organic Darkness strain to give yuletide revelers everything they could crave come December. Instead of flowery, herbal character, this stout has a baked-goods quality. Rather than straight chocolate, it’s more lie a muffin or breakfast loaf with a small dose of cocoa in the batter. At 7.7% alcohol-by-volume, it’s sure to warm the cockles of even the Grinch’s two-sizes-too-small heart, as is the fact it was brewed to honor such a special contingent of Americans. God bless us, every one.
From the Brewer: “The Freedom Stout is an awesome collaboration brew between veterans and other great brewers. I’m a Navy vet and Pat Korn of My Yard Live is an Army vet. We combined forces with Jon and Bill of Thunderhawk Alements to craft up one hell of a holiday brew! This specialty stout’s malt profile consists of chocolate, Munich, two-row and wheat. Pat crafted a special infusion of lavender and rosemary spices. Moderately-bittered with Fuggle hops and fermented with ‘The Darkness’ yeast strain, this delicious brew will go great with any meal during the holiday season. Enjoy fresh and FREEDOM ON!”—Sean Haggerty, Founder & President, Protector Brewery