East Brother Beer Co. continues to embody a legacy of craftsmanship and community in the heart of Richmond, California. As we approach our anniversary on February 18th, we're excited to introduce a unique beer serving technique that resonates with our commitment to tradition and quality – Bierstacheln.
Bierstacheln (pronounced “beer shta-hll”), or "beer spiking," is a centuries-old German tradition with roots that trace back to a time when beer was as much a staple of life as bread. In those days, the warmth of a brew was not just about comfort but necessity, offering solace against the cold. The practice likely started with blacksmiths and metalworkers, who, after a long day by the forge, would plunge their hot pokers into their beer to raise its temperature.
The Art of the Spike
The process involves heating a metal rod to a glowing red and then plunging it into a glass of beer. This creates a warm, frothy top and caramelizes the sugars in the beer, enhancing its rich, toasty flavors.
Darker, maltier beers with higher sugar content, like bocks and porters, are prime candidates for spiking. These styles respond beautifully to the heat, their complex flavors intensified and their sweetness brought to the forefront, offering a sensory experience unlike any other.
The Science Behind the Heat
At its core, Bierstacheln is a dance of temperature and chemistry. When the hot poker touches the beer, it causes an immediate and localized boiling effect. This not only warms the beer but also induces Maillard reactions—those same chemical reactions responsible for the browning of toasted bread and seared steak. These reactions create new flavor compounds, enhancing the beer's aroma and taste with notes of toffee, caramel, and even subtle hints of chocolate.
Our anniversary celebration is the perfect opportunity to experience this fascinating technique. Imagine holding a glass of your favorite East Brother beer, watching as a red-hot rod is submerged into it, witnessing the caramelization process, and then enjoying the transformed flavors.
We invite you to join us at our taproom on February 18th to experience Bierstacheln for yourself. It's an opportunity to step back in time and savor beer in a way that's rare and extraordinary. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the East Brother family, this experience is sure to deepen your appreciation for craft beer.
Join us at the East Brother Beer Co. Taproom on February 18th – experience the unique Bierstacheln technique and be part of our living legacy. 🍺🔥
Here’s where else you can enjoy our Bierstacheln Experience:
The Factory Bar, Richmond
Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 3-7p
Schoeder’s, San Francisco
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 4-6p
East Brother Beer Co, Richmond
Sunday, February 18, 2024 |12-8p
