We’re back with another pick from the infamous Jar of Destiny! We’ve been doing this for a while now and it’s hard to believe we are on pick number 12! For those of you who are new here, the Jar of Destiny is our way of pushing ourselves to brew outside our comfort zones. We pick a random beer style based on the 2015 BJCP guidelines and use this leap of faith to brew something we might not typically make. Let’s see what the Jar has in store for us in this round!
John’s Pick – 34A Classic Style Smoked Beer
So, I pulled the 32A Classic Style Smoked Beer chip from the Jar. It’s been a while since I’ve brewed a smoked beer, and honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. Smoked beers can be fun, but they’re definitely an acquired taste. You sip on a pint, maybe two, and then you’re ready to move on. That said, I’m thinking of brewing a larger batch just in case we end up hosting a big winter solstice party or something—I mean, the Druids and elves are bound to show up, right? I’ll be diving into the BJCP guidelines to figure out the best approach here, probably leaning on some cherry wood-smoked malt for that nice, balanced smokiness. Stay tuned to see how it turns out.
Mike’s Pick – 26A Trappist Single
While I’m gearing up for the smoky brew, Mike pulled something on a different end of the spectrum—a Trappist Single, style 26A. This is a lower-alcohol Belgian beer that monks would traditionally brew for themselves. Think of it as a table beer: light, crisp, and perfect for everyday drinking at the monastery. It’s not as well-known as some of the heavier Belgian ales, but that’s part of the fun. Mike’s going to dive into the history and brewing techniques for this one, and I’m excited to see what he comes up with. It’s all about getting that subtle balance of flavors, and he’s got a good start with this pick.
All in all, we’ve got our work cut out for us, but that’s the beauty of the Jar of Destiny—pushing ourselves to brew styles we wouldn’t normally try. We’ve got a few months to research, plan, and brew these beers, so stay tuned for updates. Who knows, maybe the smoked beer will surprise me, and Mike’s Trappist Single will turn into a new house favorite. Either way, we’re excited to keep experimenting and sharing our results with you.
Cheers and Brew ON!
Check out the First Pick and the start of it all!
Check out the Second Pick
Check out the Third Pick
Check out the Fourth Pick
Check out the Fifth Pick
Check out the Sixth Pick
Check out the Seventh Pick
Check out the Eighth Pick
Check out the Ninth Pick
Check out the Tenth Pick
Check out the Eleventh Pick