Jack’s Abby Brewing Company has teamed up with the World’s Oldest Brewery – Weihenstephan – to create a once in a lifetime, fest-inspired collaboration lager. There may be nearly 1,000 years difference in the founding of these breweries, but they are much more alike than they are different. That kindred spirit inspired the collaboration dubbed Fest Of Both Worlds.
The goal for this project was to brew a beer that honored historical brewing methods while infusing it with modern innovations to create a delicious fest beer. The Research Center Weihenstephan BLQ of the Technical University of Munich shared the TUM 34/70 yeast strain with Jack’s Abby as part of this collaboration. This yeast is famously known as the original Bavarian lager strain and brings true brewing heritage to this beer. Jack’s Abby also employed a decoction mashing technique and lagered the beer in horizontal tanks furthering the traditional methods of brewing for this beer.
To bring some modern innovation Jack’s Abby Brewing used some modern hopping methods and some atypical hops – Sterling and Adeena. These hops, along with Pilsner and Munich malts create an assertive hop profile on a balanced malt backbone. The beer is easy to drink with subtle herbal and spicy notes.
“What I Like about this project is that it came along organically over 5 years of friendship. Jack has the mind of a German brewer and the heart of an American.” – Matthias Ebner Global Brand Ambassador Weihenstephan
Weihenstephan rarely does collaborations in the United States. In fact, this marks only the 3rd in the company’s storied history. The two breweries have been forging a relationship over the past 5 years including multiple trips to each other’s breweries and many shared lagers.
“It’s a remarkable honor to have the opportunity to brew a collaboration with one of the most iconic names in the world for lager. I’ve always looked to Weihenstephan for inspiration over my career and this marks a milestone for the brewery.” – Jack Hendler Co-Founder of Jack’s Abby