(New Glarus, WI) – Flemish monks brewed the first Abt, which they named for their Monastery Abbot. Akin to the monks that first brewed them, at peace and easygoing on the surface, hidden underneath there is a surprisingly strong character. Daniel Carey (Diploma Master Brewer, New Glarus Brewing Company) allows all his fans to partake in New Glarus Brewing Company’s glorious, Unplugged Abt, in reverence to the style of the original Flemish creation, fully illuminating the Flemish proverb, ‘In heaven there is no beer, and that is why we drink it here’.

Abt beer was first brewed by Flemish monks in order to assist in their living expenses. Brewing not to ‘get rich’ or for worldwide domination, they brew simply to allow themselves enough money to live, and have been for decades. Although demand increases, this business model allows them to continue to enjoy the process, not increasing the workload to levels that cause them to lose sight of why they do what they do. New Glarus Brewing Company has followed a similar business model. Despite the ever increasing demand for their brews from fans around the world, they continue to keep their business small and distribute exclusively in Wisconsin, allowing for them to keep the enjoyment that is brewing intact, and treat their adoring fans to this rare delight.

Unplugged Abt, similar in style to a strong dubble, is created using the best malts, best hops and a blend of yeast that ferment in the bottle. Dark Belgian Candy Sugar was used, as is common practice in Belgium for darker brews, to allow not only additional flavors, but also to allow for a lighter body. Not to be confused with table sugar, this specialized caramelized dark sugar is created in a secret Belgian tradition. Abt is a bottle fermented, elegant and sophisticated brew, with chocolate, rum, raisiny, and cherry notes. The incredible balance of this brew hides it’s unexpected 9.6% ABV, which cries for this beer to be sipped and enjoyed. Meant to be consumed a bit warm, it is recommended that you allow this beer to sit out for an hour and enjoy it as a dessert beer.

Belgian Dark Candi Sugar encourages the decadence of rum, raisin dark chocolate and sherry like fruit tones to conspire happily in almost 20? Plato. Rich and full bodied this is one to lie down or if you are bold enjoy now, but take your time – linger. This temptress will, as all New Glarus Brewing Company’s Unplugged brews, become a distant memory far too quickly.