Central Standard Craft Distillery co-founders Evan Hughes and Pat McQuillan announced that the next release in the Milwaukee distillery’s Brewmasters Brandy Series will be a familiar one: a “re-collaboration” with Hofbräu München, the renowned 400-plus-year-old brewery.
“For our latest Brewmasters series collaboration, we are re-releasing our limited-edition beer brandy with Hofbräu München, the top name in German brewing and owner of the most famous beer hall in the world,” McQuillan said.
The beer brandy, which debuted last October as part of the distillery’s Brewmasters Brandy Series, combines Central Standard’s North Brandy with Hofbräu’s Doppelbock seasonal special Hofbräu Delicator, which is bottled as Hofbräu Winter Spezial and available in six packs in the United States.
The result is a flavorful beer brandy with notes of dark chocolate, cherry and dried fruit. “The Hofbräu North Brandy collaboration has something for beer and brandy fans alike,” said Jim Kanter, chief commercial officer of Central Standard. “Beer lovers will appreciate the roasted caramel malt flavor and subtle beer sweetness. Brandy fans will love the bold, rich flavor. It tastes like a cozy Bavarian night.”
Renewing the collaboration offered Hughes, McQuillan and Kanter an opportunity to celebrate the distillery’s hometown and state. “This beer brandy really embraces the Germanic roots of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Midwest,” said Hughes. “Teaming again with Hofbräu München and specifically their Winter Spezial Delicator made the ideal match for our North Brandy.”
A First-Year Success Story
Last fall’s collab with Hofbräu was the first in Central Standard’s Brewmasters Series to combine two liquids. Until then, collabs only involved aging one liquid in a barrel that previously held another.
The innovative approach turned heads in the industry and last summer, the Central Standard / Hofbräu collaboration was named one of only nine nationwide semi-finalists in the DISCUS (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States) “Innovation Showcase” competition.
“The Beer Brandy completely sold out at many retailers last year and we had requests for it from literally across the country and around the world,” Hughes added. “We just had to create another run of it this year so folks could enjoy some this holiday season and beyond.”
Starting this week, the beer brandy – which sells in 750-ml bottles and is priced between $24.99 – $29.99 – is available at retailers across Wisconsin including Festival Foods, Total Wine, Woodman’s Markets and local liquor store, such as Discount Liquor and Ottos. The beer brandy is also being served at bars and restaurants including The Old German Beer Hall in Milwaukee. In addition, it is available at Binny’s Beverage Depot locations in Illinois. Only 300 cases of the beer brandy are being released. “And, when we’re sold out, we’re sold out,” Kanter added.