A 'robust' beer for spring

News Release
September 11, 2006

A ‘robust’ beer for spring

Monteith’s Brewing Company is set to reignite beer appreciation in September with the launch of its second specialty release, Monteith’s Baltic Porter. A flavoursome beer, it takes its character cues from classic East European styles, with a sweet soothing maltiness, roasted background and full flavoursome liquorice notes.

The result: a most robust beer style with 7% alcohol volume giving this historic brew its famous kick.

The first fine porter beers were crafted in Britain in the 18th & 19th centuries. Wanting to fortify the allies and expand their markets, the breweries shipped their beers off to the northern cities by way of the Baltic Sea. To withstand the long journey by sea, the ales were brewed to be stronger and hoppier.

The popularity of porter beers quickly grew, as the high alcohol content brought warmth to the harsh European winter. Locals savored the new beer and each region adapted the style to make their own. Over time, this created a more complex beer, dark with liquorice notes and a sweet malty finish.

Barrie Calder, who is master brewer at Monteith’s, says Baltic Porter is a style of beer that Kiwis will really enjoy on chilly spring evenings.

“Porter is a challenging style of beer and I’ve always been a fan of it and enjoyed experimenting with ingredients to give this historic brew a Monteith’s twist. I guess in turn we’ve given the West Coast its very own version of this timeless beer style, although we’re willing to share it with the rest of the country too.”

Monteith’s Baltic Porter is a very limited specialty release and is sold as a four pack at $12.99.

Monteith’s Baltic Porter will be available in limited quantities for a short duration in select retail outlets and in Monteith’s concept bars around the country from mid September 2006.

Tasting Note
Monteith’s Baltic Porter is a soothing velvety Porter with a soft liquorice nose, adding a spicy lift to the rich malt base. There is a gentle barley note in the mouth that tends to sweetness at first then rounding out into a lovely dry malt biscuit finish. You will find no heavy chocolate or any grassy hop characters, just complex malt and spice with the merest, tempting touch of sherry contributing finesse.

Food Match.
Monteith’s Baltic Porter is equally at home with a crusty bread and tasty aged cheddar as with Chinese food that uses a touch of five spice or star anise.

ENDS

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