For this week’s Sip of the Week, I’m taking you to another one of my favorite local breweries: Enegren Brewing Company.
Located in Moorpark, California, Enegren specializes in German-inspired beers with an emphasis on lager-styles. But this Sip of the Week departs from those light, crisp, refreshing lagers and transports you to a world of dark and toasty, complete with a hint of sweet maple syrup. Introducing: the Baltic Maple Porter!
Enegren Brewing Company was the first brewery I visited when I moved to Ventura County five years ago.
At that time their tasting room was tucked away in a shoebox-sized corner of an industrial park. I knew they were onto something good when, every time I visited, the place was packed to the brim. Fast-forward to early 2015, Enegren moved into their new beer hall just a few doors down from their old location. For anyone who has visited Bavaria, you’ll immediately recognize the long picnic-style table that adorns the middle of the tasting room, as well as hints of the traditional blue and white Bavarian checkered flag (formally referred to as lozenges, I believe). Between the friendly faces behind the bar and live music throughout the week, Enegren has created a family atmosphere that echoes that of a true German beer hall.
(P.S. Check out my post about tips for traveling to Germany here!)
You may notice on the can of Baltic Maple Porter that it is labeled as a lager beer. If that caught you by surprise, you’re not alone!
Many beer drinkers assume that lagers come in one form (the light, easy-to-drink on a summer day kind), when in reality the term “lager” refers to the process by which the beer is made.
Here’s a quick lesson:
There are two types of beer: lagers and ales. The main difference between these two styles is the type of yeast that is used in the brewing process.
The yeast used in ales is a top-fermenting yeast that ferments at warmer temperatures, leading to more robust, bold flavors in the end product. Some of the most common types of ales are IPAs (India Pale Ales), Pale Ales, Ambers, and Stouts.
Lagers, on the other hand, work with a bottom-fermenting yeast that ferments at significantly cooler temperatures. The fermentation process takes longer as a result, but the beer is considered more stable at these temperatures and maintains more subtle, crisp flavors as a result. Lagers are often considered more difficult to make since mistakes in the brewing process are more difficult to cover up with other flavors (i.e. hops, malt, etc.). Additionally, the brewing process is extended when lagering, which means the brewer must have the resources to allow for a lengthier brewing process. Some members of the lager family are bocks, pilsners, and dunkels.
If you want to read about the most epic lager I ever drank, click here!
All of this to say: Enegren’s Baltic Maple Porter is a lagered beer, meaning the fermentation took place at cooler temperatures, over a greater period of time. Better yet, this beer was lagered on sugar-maple wood spirals, giving it an additional layer of complexity in its flavor.
With each sip of this Baltic Maple Porter, you’ll taste a perfect balance of sweet maple and smoky flavors. This beer is only lightly carbonated (and claims to be naturally carbonated with the maple syrup!), making it an easy sipper. In my opinion, this sweet and roast-y porter is better than dessert and makes for a perfect nightcap.
The Details:
ABV: 9.1%
IBU: 50
Malt: German Pilsner, German Munich Dark, CaraMunich III, Beech Smoked Malt, Carafa Special II, Roasted Barley, Chateau Chocolate
Hops: Herkules, Willamette
And yes, it is made with real maple syrup!
Enegren recommends you serve this sip in a tulip glass or a stein. However you sip it, be sure to take in the aroma and flavor with every sip. This beer is a stand out and should not be missed!
Happy sipping!
