Introduction: Drinking Different
When creativity and hard work join forces, the result is often something extraordinary, and the world of craft beer is no exception. Two of America’s leading craft breweries, the Allagash Brewing Company and Montclair Brewery, have recently announced an exciting collaboration. The culmination of this partnership? Not a re-release of a classic favorite or a slight spin on a popular recipe – but a brand-new brew named ’Verb’.
The Allagash Brewing Company
Located in Portland, Maine, Allagash Brewing Company has been a part of the American brewing landscape since 1995. Known for its innovative, Belgian-inspired brews, Allagash has firmly established itself as a stalwart of quality and consistency. With a roster that boasts award-winning classics like its Allagash White, the company isn’t afraid to experiment – which is precisely what’s needed for a collaboration of this nature.
The Montclair Brewery
Over in New Jersey, the Montclair Brewery is also gaining a reputation for pushing the boundaries of craft beer. Helmed by brewmaster Leo Sawadogo, a native of Burkina Faso, Montclair brings a unique perspective to the scene. Leveraging crafting techniques and flavor profiles from Africa and Caribbean, the brewery delivers on its promise of “globally-inspired, locally-crafted” brews.
A Collaboration Built on Innovation
With Allagash and Montclair’s combined passion for experimentation and flavor, it’s hardly a surprise that the two have come together to create something truly unique. Both breweries are committed to producing high-quality, innovative brews and this latest release is testament to that.
Introducing ‘Verb’
So, what exactly is ‘Verb’? At its core, Verb is an embodiment of a creative experiment carried out across the boundaries of states and cultures. Described as a saison-style beer brewed with grains of paradise and lemongrass, it’s a brew that promises an experience as unique and original as its brewing process.
The Inspiration Behind ‘Verb’
The inspiration for ’Verb’ comes from an unlikely source. It was inspired by a dish called Thieboudienne, which is the National Dish of Senegal, known for its unique blend of flavors including fish, rice, and vegetables cooked in a tomato sauce. True to this inspiration, Verb captures an intriguing mix of flavors and aroma. The brewery team wanted to create a beer that not only talked about multicultural conversations in America but also gave beer lovers an entirely different taste profile.
The Brewing Process
The recipe for Verb was developed with close cooperation between Allagash and Montclair. It required a delicate fusion of Allagash’s trademark Belgian brewing traditions, Montclair’s Afro-Caribbean inspirations, and a shared love of innovation. The result? A beer with an earthy grain of paradise, a citrusy note from the lemongrass, and a refined bitterness. It’s a beer with complexity and character, one that challenges and delights the palate in equal measure.
The Packaging
True to its creative origins, Verb also boasts distinctive packaging. The can artwork features Senegalese motifs and vibrant colors, echoing the African influence that is a signature of Montclair beers. Allagash, as always, brings a touch of sophistication, helping to create a package design that communicates the uniqueness of the brew within.
Availability
For those looking to sample a little of this collaborative magic, Verb will be available while supplies last in both tasting rooms in Portland and Montclair and in select retail locations. Its release marks not just the result of a magnificent brewing partnership, but also the promise of more such collaborations in the future.
Conclusion
In the end, Verb is more than just an exciting new beer. It’s a shining testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and a shared dedication to crafting truly unique brews. The Allagash Brewing Company and Montclair Brewery have set a high bar with Verb, one that craft beer lovers all over the nation are sure to appreciate.
This fascinating article discusses the collaboration between two renowned craft breweries, Allagash Brewing Company and Montclair Brewery, resulting in the creation of ‘Verb’- a unique saison-style beer that draws on both American and African brewing styles. This not only displays the spirit of creativity and innovation that exists within the craft beer industry but also explores a cultural fusion that is quite intriguing. The shared passion for experimentation by both breweries is clearly evident in ‘Verb’, a testament to their commitment to producing high-quality and innovative brews. I’m excited to see how this blend of distinct flavors from different corners of the world is received in the craft beer community.