Tröegs Scratch Beer

The other night while I was combing though my latest ration of Homebrew (thanks Dad!) deciding what to sample I spotted a Troeg’s Scratch Beer #8. The Scratch Beer series was launched in honor of Tröegs Brewery’s 10 Anniversary. They are recipes that the brothers discovered while relocating the brewery offices during their recent expansion. They are literally recipes found on old scratch pads. They were created in pilot batches brewed on the back patio of the Trogner brothers Colorado apartment several years before the brewery opened, along with numerous recipes that were never brewed. I like the fact that the label shows primarily only the batch number so there is no preconceived notion of what you are going to be tasting. Unlike certain mystery beers by other brewers that I have found undrinkable at times, these scratch beers are tasty. This one in particular had a mild citrusy aroma, flavor was sweet and spicy with hints of coriander and other spices. Definitely Belgian inspired as later confirmed, yet no flavor/spice overload like some other American Belgian styles I’ve had. I really enjoyed it. If your ever traveling south into Central PA be sure to try to pick up some Tröegs or stop by for a free tour (Saturdays @ 2) at the Harrisburg brewery it’s well worth the stop and all there beers are of exceptional quality.
Here’s the info that I later pulled from their website regarding #8

Scratch #8-2008
Release Date: March 11, 2008
Inspiration: Cross between Belgian style Tripel and Gin
O.G.: 21.2 Plato
A.B.V.: 10.1%
I.B.U.’s: 18
Malt: Pils
Juju: Juniper, Coriander, Yarrow Flowers
Yeast: Trappist
Hops: Warrior, Hallertau
Revisiting Scratch #3, we take the same Tripel recipe, add beet and cane sugars to the kettle, and run the wort through our hopback brimming with juniper berries, coriander and yarrow flowers.
Inspired by the herbaceous nose of gin, the berries and flowers give a slight pine/citrus aroma with floral undertones. Scratch #8 has a dry, yeasty finish and noticeable alcohol warming when consumed.