Brewmaster, Mark Wilson
For our select this time we’ve tried something a little different. The brewers and I have decided to use four different grains to create a beer that is truly different. We call this new style Four Grain Ale. There really is no history of this style.
Part of the success of craft breweries in the US is attributable to trying new things. Most craft beers are made from 100% malted barley. We thought it would be great to try some other grains that have similar characteristics to barley but add different flavors.
We decided to use wheat, rye, and oats in addition to barley in this unique ale. The Four Grain Ale is made with 40% malted barley (both pale and caramel), 25% wheat, 25% rye, and 10% oats. The wheat will add full body and crispness to the beer. The rye will impart the taste and aroma of nuts and baking bread. The oats will enhance the flavor of all of the other ingredients to give the beer a well rounded flavor. The beer is dry hopped with Horizon hops to add a spicy hop flavor and aroma. The result is an amber colored, full flavored ale. This ale turned out even better than expected and is already a hit with everyone who’s tried it.
I recommend the Four Grain Ale with an assortment of nut, cheeses, and breads. It would also be a good match with many soups, especially ones made with beef stock. It pairs well with almost all read meats and would be excellent with barbequed dishes. If you haven’t tried this beer yet you really should. Check our website for locations offering Abita Select on draught.
Enjoy,
Mark Wilson - Brewmaster
Abita Brewing Company