SHINER, Texas — Spoetzl Brewery, the iconic 109-year-old Texas craft brewery, announces the release of a new limited-edition craft brew, Spoetzl Märzen, in collaboration with Balcones Distilling. The two Texas icons who share a passion for supreme craftsmanship and appreciation for things done well, have come together to introduce a high-quality craft beer matured in ex-Balcones single malt barrels and made in the heart of Texas.
Spoetzl Märzen is a true labor of love, handcrafted with the utmost care, attention and patience. Using imported Munich Malt, Spoetzl Märzen is hopped with prized Hallertau and Hersbrucker varietals and krausened twice to round out the lightly toasted, spicy malt flavors. The brew then rests in barrels that formerly housed the award-winning single malt whisky, resulting in a bold, full-bodied brew.
The coppery-orange hued, hop-forward brew has notes of caramel and oak from the whisky-imbued barrels offering a smooth, lingering finish that adds depth and character. With an ABV of 11% and 32 IBU, Spoetzl Märzen is a vibrant yet well-balanced lager perfect for any fall occasion.
“For 109 years, Spoetzl Brewery has delivered best in class craft beer. We are excited to get back to our roots with the second release of our small batch brewing program. Barrel-aging is wildly popular from beer to coffee, not to mention the original way to make a Märzen-style lager. For this reason, it was great to work with our friends over at Balcones Distilling, the most awarded Texas whisky, as the tannins from whisky-soaked barrels naturally increase the clarity of the beer while also imparting a unique roundness and incredible color to the beer,” said Tom Fiorenzi, Director of Brewing at Spoetzl Brewery.
The brew will be available for a limited-time throughout Texas starting on October 1, 2018 at specialty retailers for $14.99 SRP in 750ml bottles and poured at local cultural and epicurean events throughout the state.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Spoetzl Brewery team on this collaboration as it’s not every day that you find another brand that shares your dedication to quality, craftsmanship and flavor complexity,” said Jared Himstedt, Head Distiller at Balcones Distilling. “This is a great opportunity to work closely with the team at Spoetzl Brewery and we look forward to continued collaboration with them in the future.”
About the Spoetzl Brewery
The Spoetzl Brewery – named after brewmaster Kosmos Spoetzl – was founded in Shiner, Texas (population 2,069), in 1909, brewing beer with old-world traditions and recipes for the many German and Czech settlers in the state. Since then, the brewery has grown to be one of the leading independent craft brewers in the country. But every drop of the award-winning beer is still brewed right where it all started 109 years ago.
About the Gambrinus Company
The Gambrinus Company is a privately held craft beer company located in San Antonio, Texas. Gambrinus is best known as the owner and brewer of Shiner Beers, which are brewed at the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas. Gambrinus also owns the BridgePort Brewery in Portland, Oregon, and the Trumer Brewery in Berkeley, California.
More About Balcones Distilling
Driven by a passion to create something original and authentic, Balcones Distilling marries centuries of tradition with the bold flavors of Texas. Balcones is synonymous with quality and innovation in the whisky industry, known for emphasizing high quality ingredients and drawing influences from all over Texas. To date, the distillery has earned over 300 international tasting awards and accolades for their whiskies and spirits.
Balcones distills all of their beloved whiskies inside the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Company building in Waco, Texas. At its heart are four copper pot stills built by the best artisans in Scotland. You can now visit and tour the facility, with tastings and events held regularly, and see why Balcones is always Distilled to Appreciate. Visit www.balconesdistilling.com for more information.