Manneken's Belgium Strong Gold

I decided I should make a label for every beer I brew...

I just finished a great book, 'Brew like a Monk.'  You should read this if you are a brewer or into esoteric stuff.  The book inspired me to make a Belgian beer, which I have never attempted alone.  Why?  I have no clue.  I love the country and everything Belgian...Yes, that includes Jean Claud Van Damme.  It only makes sense that I get my hands dirty just like JCVD.

Why Manneken's Golden Strong Ale?  Manneken Pis is a fabled statue in Brussels, Belgium.  There are many legends about him, and on special days the townspeople hook him up to different Belgian beers and the little boy urinates wonderful beer to all the people of the city.  Pee that never tasted so good...

I wanted this beer to be unique, so with the Belgian spirit and inspiration from Russian River's, 'Damnation & Temptation,'  I developed a recipe that pays homage to both Belgium, California and my own ideas.  'Damnation,' is a Golden Strong ale aged on oak chips.  'Temptation,' is an American wild ale aged in Chardonnay barrels.  I wanted this ale to mirror some of those flavors without the tannins from the oak and Brett (Brettanomyces) from the barrel.

Serious business

I used a traditional malt bill of Pilsner malt and Sugar.  As for the hops, I used one semi traditional hop 'Savinja Goldings.'  This will add a touch of spice.  The other hop is nontraditional, 'Nelson Sauvin.'  This hop will mimic the wine character and add some fruit notes.  I used Belgian Ardennes yeast.  This strain is highly flocculent, attenuates nicely, has mild fruit esters, and a subtle spicy character.  All that means in a nutshell is that the beer will be bright, dry, well balanced, and refreshing.  Remember to drink good beer responsibly and be merry!  Cherrio