BREWED SPIRIT
In the beginning, Modist didn’t exist (the brewery or the word). Fast forward to 2016 and the world would change forever (which it does every second of every day, but, like, hang in here, there’s a point coming). Not only does the word “modist” sort of become a real word but “Modist” is officially opened and therefore an official word. Not only did we modify a word to come up with our name, but fast forward a few more years to 2019, and we’ve gone and done it again. This time, however, instead of making up words and calling them words, we’re combining two words; brewed spirit, modifying the entire ethos of beer categories, and calling it a thing.
Brewed Spirit has entered the chat.
You’re most definitely asking (assuming you haven’t already heard the explanation), “wtf’s a Brewed Spirit?”
Simply put, a Brewed Spirit is an innovative category of beer created right here at Modist. This unique beverage is brewed to mimic the traditional spirits’ flavor profile and experience, such as bourbon, vodka, tequila, rum, or any other spirit we want to try and brew. We then mix that into cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Grape Ape, but it’s produced through the brewing process rather than distillation.
Key Characteristics
Grain Bill and Base Ingredients:
Traditional Spirit Inspiration: Brewed Spirits start with a grain bill and base ingredients typically used in making traditional spirits. For example, the “Modist Brewing Co. Old Fashioned” uses a bourbon mash bill consisting of corn, malted wheat, and malted barley. Additionally, the use of agave, cane sugars, and other natural sugars are used to simulate a wide variety of spirits from around the world.
Neutral Bases for Vodka Styles: For vodka-style Brewed Spirits like “Grape Ape,” a neutral corn base is used, allowing for a lighter, more customizable flavor profile.
Brewing Process:
Brewing Techniques: These beverages are brewed and fermented like beer, using ale yeast that can tolerate high alcohol levels. This process allows the final product to stay within legal brewing limits, even though it achieves a high alcohol by volume (ABV).
Aging: Some Brewed Spirits, like the “Old Fashioned,” are aged in used spirit barrels to develop complex flavors akin to those found in aged spirits.
Final Product Presentation:
Cocktail Mimicry: The finished Brewed Spirit is often served in a style that mirrors a traditional cocktail. Uncommon Cocktails has entered the chat;
- Modist Brewing Co. Old Fashioned: Served with a garnish of fresh orange peel and a premium maraschino cherry.
- BABY WE AIN’T TRYNNA HIDE!: A customizable Vodka-Style Brewed Spirit served on the rocks with a choice of flavored syrups (mango, passion fruit, or pineapple).
- Grape Ape: Served as a prebatched cocktail with a sour citrus mix, grape soda, and ice.
Alcohol Content:
Alcohol Content: Brewed Spirits typically reach around 20-22% ABV (40-44 proof), offering a potent experience similar to spirits while maintaining the unique qualities of beer. Once mixed into the final cocktails, each serving of Uncommon Cocktails will sit between 9-22% ABV (18-44 proof)
BuT wHy ThO?
Modist started so that we could push the boundaries of what beer could be. Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Brewed Spirits challenges the traditional definition of beer, blending the craft of brewing with the flavor complexities of spirits. This innovation allows us to create beverages that bridge the gap between beer and cocktails, offering a new beer experience for the world (or at least within our distribution areas).