Stoup Brewing Company inspires discussion with the release of Berliner Weiss & Equal Play, Equal Pay IPA
This week, the folks at Stoup Brewing Company are releasing something old school and something for the progressive-minded individuals. Starting with Berliner Weiss, the brewery from Seattle's Ballard neighborhood showcases their interpretation of this classic German-style sour wheat beer.
Conceived somewhere around the 16th century, during a period when most of Germany was loyally executing the Reinheitsgebot, a bunch of Northerners bordering Belgium and Poland, blazed a different trail with this German sour. Named after it's creator, Cord Broyhan, Broyhan was quite popular in Northern Germany before passing throughout Germany, each different based on the grain available. By the 19th century, the beer was received and sought after for its tartness and before long this style began to fade until only two loyal German brewers remained by the 20th century. Today the style is experiencing a resurgence as American and European brewers have learned more about this unique German beer.
When asked for their thoughts on this beer, the brewery replied.
This is our take on a classic German style sour wheat beer. A style dubbed the champagne of the north by Napoleon's troops; this beer is a clean, tart thirst quencher.
Whether you're an acolyte or amateur, the brewery has you covered with optional Raspberry or Woodruff syrups from Soda Jerk Sodas, available for those who wish to lessen the tartness. Also at 3.8% and 6 IBU, one needn't worry about drinking too many of these on a Summer day.
Moving onto the second beer this week, the brewery shifts away from the past and introduces another beer proposing something in today's discussion - equality. Hopefully Equal Play, Equal Pay IPA does just that.
Inspired by the fact that despite three World Cup Championships and 4 Olympic Gold medals, the Women's Team USA is still underpaid in spite of their achievements. Hopefully, as you whet your lips to order this new India Pale Ale from Stoup Brewing Company, you'll consider the ongoing struggles of the sexes in something as cooperative as Soccer. But if this doesn't inspire a conversation, then maybe the notes of citrus, pine, papaya, and berry will at least remind you that 2/3 of Stoup's ownership is comprised of women. How's that for a conversation starter?
At 7.0% ABV and 62 IBU, Equal Play, Equal Pay IPA is online, side-by-side with Berliner Weiss, with the hope of inspiring conversations about the past and the future. Stoup Brewing Company is located at 1108 NW 52nd Street in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. For more information on Stoup Brewing Company, visit http://www.stoupbrewing.com.
About Stoup Brewing Company
"Two thirsty science nerds and a curious connoisseur walk in to a brew pub… Okay, so it wasn’t quite like that, but it might as well have been."
Stoup Brewing is a long held dream of Brad Benson and Lara Zahaba – two hopeless drink and chow hounds. That the two found each other twenty years ago seems fated – Brad, a scientist to the very last DNA strand, would proffer a hypothesis based on proximity and human nature, we’re sure (ahem). Whatever your take, the takeaway is this: Brad loves beer and has been a loyal student, courter, and crafter for years that number beyond his fingers and toes. Lara loves all things gastro – from a savory plate to a smart pour. The pair, professionally and recreationally, have spent the better part of their hours improving their palate’s quality of life. It was only a matter of time before they ponied up and joined the community of talented purveyors.
Enter, Robyn Schumacher – friend, teacher and self-professed beer geek graduated Cicerone. She had the same dream. Fitting that Robyn’s infatuation with beer bloomed under the tutelage of a Biology degree. Robyn’s regard for all things hop and malt only deepened while her teaching career flourished. Brewing in her spare time was the final hook. Call it what you will – the stars aligning, simultaneous fermentation – Stoup Brewing was born. We’re thrilled to be a part of Seattle’s burgeoning craft beer community in Ballard’s Brewing District.
