Modest Beer's Unassuming Excellence: The Creation of a Complex Barrel Aged Lager


In the world of craft beer, innovation and quality reign supreme. At Our Brewery, we always seek new and exciting creations that push the boundaries of traditional brewing. One such endeavour has been collaborating with Modest Beer, a local brewery passionate about creating exceptional brews. Together, we embarked on a journey to craft a complex barrel-aged lager that would challenge the norms of what a humble lager could be. This Humble Wild Lager v1 has become a labour of love, blending traditional techniques with modern experimentation to create a truly one-of-a-kind beer.

Unveiling a Unique Collaboration

Unveiling a Unique Collaboration is not just about blending ingredients; it's about merging visions, aspirations, and a shared passion for elevating the craft beer landscape. Our Brewery found an ideal partner in Modest Beer and its visionary brewer, Chris. His humility belies a genuine dedication to quality and innovation, profoundly resonating with our brewing philosophy. Our alliance was forged not only on mutual respect but on a shared dream to craft beers that leave a lasting impression, that challenge and delight in equal measure.

This collaboration celebrates the synergy between our breweries, a testament to the strength of community in the craft beer world. Chris’s unassuming approach and tireless advocacy for local beer have inspired us and driven us to explore new brewing territories. Together, we embarked on a journey to craft a barrel-aged lager representing the essence of Modest Beer's creativity and our commitment to quality.

By uniting our skills and knowledge, we have created a beer that is more than just a beverage; it is a narrative of collaboration, a testament to the power of shared visions in crafting something genuinely extraordinary. This Humble Wild Lager v1 is not just a product of our breweries; it is a celebration of our collaborative spirit, a symbol of what can be achieved when two breweries come together with a common goal: to innovate, to inspire, and to craft beers that capture the imagination of beer enthusiasts everywhere.

The Birth of a Complex Wild Lager

Embarking on creating this wild lager, we embraced simplicity as the cornerstone of innovation, selecting the finest ingredients to highlight the natural flavours. The journey began with 100% authentic Belgian Pilsen malt, complemented by the subtle nuances of Motueka and Mittelfruh hops. These selections laid the foundational palate, clean and poised, ready for the transformative fermentation process. Utilizing the revered classic lager yeast, Fermentis W34/70, initiated the first act of fermentation in stainless steel, setting the stage for complexity and depth.

The narrative of our lager took a fascinating turn with the transition into a Chardonnay Oak Barrel, a homage to the time-honoured traditions of barrel ageing. It was within this wooden crucible that we introduced a carefully curated blend of wild bacteria, including Pediococcus domnosus, Brett Bruc trios, Pedro Damnsus, lacto brevis, Brett lambicus, and lacto Delbru. This consortium of microflora worked in harmony to imbue the lager with its wild character, a testament to the alchemy of mixed fermentation.

Each microorganism played its role, weaving layers of flavour and texture into the lager, transforming it into a complex, wild masterpiece. The result is a lager that transcends its humble beginnings, offering a tapestry of tastes that challenge and enchant. It vividly illustrates how tradition and innovation can merge, crafting a beer that invites exploration and rewards the curious palate.

Mastering the Art of Barrel Aging

The craft of barrel ageing is both an art and a science, blending the old-world charm of brewing with the precision of modern techniques. In our venture with Modest Beer, we ventured deep into the nuances of this time-honoured practice, discovering new dimensions of flavour and character. The oak barrels, once housing Chardonnay, now cradle our lager, imparting whispers of its past life into the beer. This symbiotic relationship between wood and brew is intricate, where the subtle interplay of flavours evolves, revealing hidden notes of vanilla, spice, and a touch of the vineyard's essence.

Our meticulous attention to the ageing process, temperature, and the barrel's unique characteristics is crucial. Each barrel has its own story, its influence on the lager that lies within. Through patient observation and a gentle guiding hand, we coax these flavours to the forefront, creating a lager that is complex and harmoniously balanced.

This dedication to mastering barrel ageing is not just about experimenting for novelty's sake; it's a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. By carefully curating the conditions under which our lager matures, we ensure that every sip conveys the depth and richness intended, offering an unparalleled tasting experience. This journey through the art of barrel ageing is a cornerstone of our collaboration with Modest Beer, underscoring our shared dedication to pushing the boundaries of brewing and creating exceptional beers that stand as a testament to our craft.

The Flavour Profile: A Symphony of Complexity

The tapestry of tastes that emerges from our barrel-aged lager is nothing short of a culinary symphony, where each sip reveals layers of sophisticated complexity. The crisp, clean foundation provided by the classic lager yeast is at the heart of this liquid masterpiece. This initial clarity of flavour serves as the perfect stage for introducing a tart and wild chorus, contributed by our carefully selected blend of bacteria. These wild notes harmonize with the subtlety of oak and the whisper of Chardonnay inherited from the barrel, adding a layer of sweet complexity that elevates the entire experience.

The artful addition of Motueka and Mittelfruh hops weaves in a delicate bitterness, a counterpoint that complements the beer’s complexity rather than overpowering it. This intricate balance of flavours creates a dynamic and evolving taste experience, inviting the palate to explore the depths of its complexity with each sip.

Crafted with intention and care, this beer is a testament to the art of blending and fermentation, showcasing how traditional elements can intertwine with innovative techniques to create something truly remarkable. It's a celebration of the unexpected, a beer that defies easy categorization and chooses to delight and intrigue. This lager is an invitation to delve into the world of nuanced flavours, appreciate the craftsmanship behind every drop, and revel in the sophisticated complexity that defines its character.


Why Choose Local: The Impact of Your Beer Choices

Opting for beers from local breweries like Modest Beer and Our Brewery transcends the mere act of savouring exceptional brews; it embodies a commitment to nurturing the community fabric and championing the vitality of local economies. When you select a locally crafted beer, you're not just purchasing a product—you're casting a vote for small businesses, contributing to creating jobs, and encouraging the perpetuation of artisanal craftsmanship. This choice propels a ripple effect that bolsters the local economy and fosters a sense of communal pride.

Drinking local serves as a direct investment in your neighbourhood's prosperity and sustainability, ensuring that the character and diversity of your community flourish. Moreover, it diminishes the environmental footprint, as these beers travel shorter distances to reach your glass, reducing transportation emissions. The story of every bottle and pint brewed locally is steeped in the dedication and passion of brewers who pour their hearts into creating beers with a distinctive identity reflective of the area’s culture and tastes.

Choosing local beer enthusiasts plays an integral role in sustaining the vibrancy of the local beer scene and ensuring its resilience against the tide of mass-produced beverages. It’s a powerful gesture that affirms the value of craftsmanship, community, and the sheer joy of enjoying a pint that tells a story as rich and varied as the neighbourhood it originated from.

Bringing Our Lager to Your Summer Gatherings

As summer unfurls its sunny embrace, the season beckons for moments of shared joy and communal revelry. Our barrel-aged lager emerges as the quintessential accompaniment to these gatherings, embodying the spirit of togetherness and the craftsmanship of brewing. Encased in 375ml bottles, this brew is designed for the warmth of friendship and the celebration of connection under the summer sky. Whether it's the backdrop of a crackling bonfire at the beach, the casual elegance of a backyard barbecue, or the serene leisure of a park picnic, this lager enhances each experience with its complex character and refreshing taste. It invites a pause to appreciate the finer nuances of life and beer alike, encouraging moments of laughter and conversation. So, as the summer days stretch out before you, consider this lager not just a beverage but a catalyst for creating unforgettable memories with those you hold dear. Here's to the vibrant days ahead, filled with the best of company and the finest of beers—cheers to summer and to the bonds that good beer can fortify and celebrate.

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Humble - Wild Lager V1

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