Brooklyn Insulated Dark Lager is your new must-have protection against windy days, soggy weather, and long, chilly nights. From the first crisp nights of fall, to the depths of blizzard season, to the first blooms of spring, you need a beer that you can layer on for any occasion. Insulated answers the call: roasty enough to cut through shoddy weather, but smooth enough to enjoy any time.
We caught up with Brooklyn brewmaster and man for all seasons Garrett Oliver via email with a few questions about how he came up with Insulated Dark Lager:
The only thing predictable about the weather this time of year is its unpredictability. How does Insulated apply to such an erratic time of year?
In winter, you never know what you’re going to need. Do you need to be warmed up? Do you need to chill out. Are you going to stay awhile? Might relatives show up? Where are the exits? Insulated handles every situation.
Our employees have been thrilled about having a schwarzbier on the lineup; it’s already become one of the most popular clock-out pints in the Tasting Room. Have you always enjoyed the style? Have you brewed one before?
I’ve always enjoyed schwartzbier, since way back before I could spell it or say with my excellent Arnie accent. I’ve never brewed one before, though this beer does share some recipe DNA with our Brewmasters Reserve black ale from a couple of years ago, “There Will Be Black”. Insulated has some edge.
Is the style selection in any way related to the brief sighting of Jason Schwartzman at The Gutter during our last company sales meeting/party?
The first rule of Schwartzman is you don’t talk about Schwartzman.
How long did it take to develop and refine the recipe?
About two hours in a hotel room in Riga, Latvia. I needed to get North to get the right vibe. Some say my methods are extreme, but check out the results, dude.
What is your favorite aspect of the beer?
Grippiness. I’ll bet you don’t know that one, do you? It’s not on your flavor wheel, kid. It’s got “grip” – just enough bite to keep everything tight, dry, clean, and electric. The opposite of “grippiness” is “flabbiness”. Flabbiness leads to suffering.
What food do you plan to (or have already) try alongside Insulated first?
Burgers, bacon, prosciutto, ham sandwiches, beef stew, oysters, cassoulet, and cheesecake. You know, dinner. You could have some roasted Brussels sprouts. Salad, not so much.
What song goes best with this beer?
“Safe From Harm” by Massive Attack. Whatever you’ve got planned, Insulated has your back.
Garrett and Brooklyn co-founder and chairman Steve Hindy are both pretty excited for our first new seasonal in years, as captured in the first episode of Munchies’ Craftwerk series. Insulated Dark Lager is already hitting shelves and taps in your neighborhood, ready for you to get all wrapped up. Try it with dark breads, hearty meats, and sturdy cheddars, gameday snacks, snow forts, and holiday parties. Before you know it, it’ll be March and Insulated will fade like the snow. Get out and enjoy the seasons with Insulated Dark Lager.