Podcast Episode 166: Josh Grenz of Verboten on Designing Stouts and Barleywines for Barrel Aging

Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project of Loveland, Colorado, has won multiple medals for its barrel-aged stouts and barleywines. It’s the intention behind the beer design—and the recipes built specifically for long-term aging—that make all the difference.

Jamie Bogner Dec 30, 2020 - 4 min read

Podcast Episode 166: Josh Grenz of Verboten on Designing Stouts and Barleywines for Barrel Aging Primary Image

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Anyone can put beer in a barrel, but brewing compelling (and award-winning) barrel-aged beers requires a more conscious approach to design, brewing, and fermentation. Verboten’s Josh Grenz knows a thing or two about the subject, having won bronze at both the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, as well as golds in 2018 and 2020 at the Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers (FOBAB) for three different barrel-aged beers. In this episode, Grenz explains their process around brewing barrel-aged stouts and barleywines—from the earliest recipe considerations for complexity and interest, to their intense hopping regimen that helps the aging process, to using flavorful malts like Special B to ensure that aging and oxidation develop pleasant and compelling flavors.

He also discusses successful high-gravity fermentation (from yeast choice to mash strategies and enzyme assistance), adjusting base recipes for different finishing barrels, and designing adjunct strategies for subtlety.

Grenz says it took years for him to attempt brewing barrel-aged beers, since the deep respect he had for the category intimidated him. But by carefully planning the approach and making nuanced choices to ingredients and process, he’s found a winning strategy.

This episode is brought to you by:

G&D
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BSG
BSG is partnering with Leopold Bros. to bring a new line of small-batch, handmade malts to brewers and distillers. Leopold Bros. is a family owned floor malting operation and distillery and 2020 James Beard Award Finalist, located in Denver, Colorado. Since brothers Scott and Todd Leopold first opened their doors in 1999, they have created everything from classic unfiltered lagers to a number of spirits, including a wide array of whiskey styles. Learn more about the upcoming malt line by going online to BSGCraftbrewing.com, or contact BSG at 1.800.374.2739.

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ABS Commercial is excited to be a part of today’s Podcast! ABS is a full brewery outfitter offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers and small parts. ABS wanted to do something fun for the craft beer industry, and gave away an ABS Keg Viking Keg Washer LIVE this past December 7th. Congratulations to Lazy Horse Brewing & Winery in Nebraska who are the new proud owners of a Keg Viking! To make sure you’re on the list for future giveaways, go to www.abs-commercial.com, click on “Keg Viking” page and fill out the contact form to stay in the know!

Jamie Bogner is the Cofounder and Editorial Director of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®. Email him at [email protected].

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