The Jar speaks again! For our fifteenth round in the Jar of Destiny beer style challenge, we dove back into that magical container filled with all styles from the 2015 BJCP guidelines. We blindly pull a style out and then commit to brewing it. There are no take-backs (well, almost no take-backs).

This time, the Jar gave us two very different paths to follow. I (John) drew 1D – American Wheat Beer, while Mike ended up with 8B – Schwarzbier (Dark Lager). It’s a nice seasonal split. A light and citrusy beer on one end, dark and smooth on the other. Let’s break down our initial thoughts as we prepare to brew these over the next couple of months.

What does The Jar have in store for us this time?

My Pick: 1D – American Wheat Beer

I was happy to see this one pop up. American Wheat Beer is refreshing, crisp, and not too complicated. It is exactly the kind of beer you want to drink in the summer months. It’s been a while since I’ve brewed this style, but I’m looking forward to getting back into it.

My plan is to lean into the American hop profile, aiming for something citrusy and bright. The style allows for a little bit of haze, a big fluffy head, and an overall clean profile. It should be a quaffable beer; light-bodied and super drinkable. I’m hoping to split the difference between classic and modern with an American wheat malt base. I will ferment it clean and punch it up with late-addition hops for that fresh aroma. Stay tuned to see how that turns out.

Mike’s Pick: 8B – Schwarzbier

Mike got the darker side of the deal with a Schwarzbier. He thinks it is a great challenge with a beer that looks like a stout but drinks like a Pilsner.

His inspiration comes from a German beer called Köstritzer, a wonderfully smooth and crisp dark lager. The goal is to brew something black in color but clean and refreshing in taste. Expect muted noble hop character and easy drinkability. It’s a style that rewards precision and patience with a good lagering period.

What’s Next?

As always, the real fun begins now. Over the next couple of months, we’ll each work on brewing the best version of these styles we can. Then, we’ll reconvene to taste, compare, and critique the final results.

Until then, wish us luck on this round and let us know how you’d approach either of these styles. Would you go hoppy with your wheat? What’s your favorite Schwarzbier to clone?

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
Check out the Twelfth Pick
Check out the Thirteenth Pick
Check out the Fourteenth Pick