(Houston, TX) – Saint Arnold Brewing revealed some additional details about Divine Reserve No. 12 in Monday’s newsletter.
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The day is almost here! Divine Reserve No. 12 will be released tomorrow, July 31. Not every store will get it tomorrow. It may take the entire week before everybody gets their allotment. Also, while the kegs will be delivered this week, not all accounts will put it on draft right away. Some may even age it. You can search Twitter under #DR12 to see where people are finding bottles and draft.
DR12 is an old ale and was inspired by David Rogers’ winning entry in the 2011 Big Batch Brew Bash. There are two definitions of Old Ales. The first is an ale in the old style, which refers to an ale bigger than regular ales. This was the more common definition up to 15 years ago. Our Christmas Ale is an example of this style. The newer definition is a very high alcohol ale that has been aged. This is what DR12 is, except that you have to supply the aging. We did condition DR12 in the fermenters for over 2 months.
DR12 is a very big ale with the high alcohol (10%) creating a spicy malt and hop flavor. Aging will allow the alcohol to oxidize and create sherry flavors that will round out the beer. It will age best if stored cold. This beer will come into its own in a year and should be drinking great 5 years from now.
When pouring this beer, we highly recommend decanting it, pouring it slowly and smoothly and leaving the last ounce or so in the bottle. You can pour this into a separate glass if you wish, but you will find that the decanted portion tastes brighter and cleaner. The nose has rich malt notes and a little alcohol that combines with a spicy hop note to create a complex bouquet. The taste has a spicy, malty beginning that smoothes out into a creamy middle and a warming finish. Also, make sure to let this beer warm up before your drink it. It is best enjoyed at around 50° F.
While most of DR12 was packaged in 6 packs, for the first time there will also be a small amount available in 22 oz bottles.
What is the best way to store DR12, upright or on the side?
the best way is to store 2 cases in your arms, pile as many bombers on top of it as you can, squeeze 1 bomber between your legs, and if you’re really good, hold two bombers in each hand as you waddle to the counter, and be sure to bring 5 friends and your Aunt Mille, and as many hobo’s as you can to carry as many cases as they can behind you, that seems to be the popular method among all the greedy hoarders who actually got some.. Despite a supposed “honor” system (yeah right) suggesting stores place limits this is what people were doing, making it once again impossible for any sensible real beer drinker with a job and things to do other than waiting in line in the heat for hours to get a sample of the “divine”. what kind of company doesn’t make more than one batch of a product that’s flying off the shelves, or at least enough to satisfy public demand? One that’s obsessed with shameless self promotion and hype instead of building a reputation on quality beers. Screw you hoarders, and up yours St. Arsehole, you’ve aggravated this loyal drinker for the last time… viva Karbach!
Being bottle conditioned, its most likely best stored upright. Yeast sediment collects at the bottom if stored upright, as opposed to along its side if stored as such.
Also, I really wish this was available (or becomes available) in Los Angeles.
When Pliny the Elder is available in Texas is the same time St. Arnold’s will be in California. Probably never.