“Getting back to the passion, and getting to share that,” is the main idea behind the Warning Sign group brew, according to Jason Yester. Jason is Master Brewer/ co-owner of Trinity Brewing Company in Colorado Springs. This is the 8th annual brewing of this non-traditional lager that brings brewers from all around the state of Colorado to join in. This year it was held at McClellan's Grill and Brewing Company in Canon City, where 17 participated. Jeff Lockhart as Head Brewer hosted the event.
Yester has described Warning Sign as an American Eis Bock, the strongest, most extreme style of lager in the world. Warning Sign Eis Bock : “The Earth Saving Beer”. The name “Warning Sign” was taken from a tune from The Talking Heads that they were listening to during the first ever brew of the beer. And at an average ABV of 10 " 10.5%, it is aptly named.
The Warning Sign brew is a great example of the camaraderie that exists among the Colorado Brewers. Every year the group gets bigger. They get together and brew this beer that is then served and sold at the Craft Lager Festival held every summer in Manitou Springs. The Money raised from the sale of this brew goes to benefit Open Space. There is a separate stand at the Lager Fest just for the Warning Sign lager.
And each participating company is given a keg to take home and serve and sell at their brewery. This has really gone far as a grassroots driven campaign spreading the good word about the beer. Besides being served by the brewers who attended the team brew, the only other place it's available is at it's true home, the Craft Lager Festival.
But it's more than brewing beer for a good cause that gets these brewers jazzed. “We try to break as many of the German rules of brewing as possible”, says Jason. “We throw hops in the mash, syrup in the boil, it comes out different every year.” Over the last 8 years, 35 different breweries have gotten involved, from donating supplies to sending brewers to participate. “It's a great gathering”, said Jim Stinson, Brewmaster at Rockyard Brewing Co. in Castle Rock. “We (brewers) get together, talk about what we are doing, share techniques. There is no competition, just a good time.”
So keep an eye out for Warning Sign at this year's Craft Lager Festival, or at any of the hosting breweries. Know that you're not only experiencing an American Eis Bock, you're supporting Open Space. And after a few sips, you'll know. You've been Warned.
Yester has described Warning Sign as an American Eis Bock, the strongest, most extreme style of lager in the world. Warning Sign Eis Bock : “The Earth Saving Beer”. The name “Warning Sign” was taken from a tune from The Talking Heads that they were listening to during the first ever brew of the beer. And at an average ABV of 10 " 10.5%, it is aptly named.
The Warning Sign brew is a great example of the camaraderie that exists among the Colorado Brewers. Every year the group gets bigger. They get together and brew this beer that is then served and sold at the Craft Lager Festival held every summer in Manitou Springs. The Money raised from the sale of this brew goes to benefit Open Space. There is a separate stand at the Lager Fest just for the Warning Sign lager.
Mike Laur © DG2C
The Warning Sign wort.
And each participating company is given a keg to take home and serve and sell at their brewery. This has really gone far as a grassroots driven campaign spreading the good word about the beer. Besides being served by the brewers who attended the team brew, the only other place it's available is at it's true home, the Craft Lager Festival.
Mike Laur © DG2C
Jeff Lockhart of McClellan's.
But it's more than brewing beer for a good cause that gets these brewers jazzed. “We try to break as many of the German rules of brewing as possible”, says Jason. “We throw hops in the mash, syrup in the boil, it comes out different every year.” Over the last 8 years, 35 different breweries have gotten involved, from donating supplies to sending brewers to participate. “It's a great gathering”, said Jim Stinson, Brewmaster at Rockyard Brewing Co. in Castle Rock. “We (brewers) get together, talk about what we are doing, share techniques. There is no competition, just a good time.”
So keep an eye out for Warning Sign at this year's Craft Lager Festival, or at any of the hosting breweries. Know that you're not only experiencing an American Eis Bock, you're supporting Open Space. And after a few sips, you'll know. You've been Warned.
Mike Laur © DG2C
The 2010 Warning Sign Crew.
