Brewer to Brewer: Dan Suarez and Matthias Trum (Ep. 37)
Dec 21, 2023
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Dan Suarez interviews Matthias Trum of Schlenkerla about preserving family tradition in brewing. They discuss historical beer measurements, barrel characteristics, the malting process, quality control, Jewish communities in brewing, and the involvement of their children in the family business.
The importance of family brewing and maintaining a connection to lineage and tradition.
The commitment to preserving historical brewing styles and authenticity.
Schlenkerla's unique malting process using various types of wood for smoking the malt, resulting in distinct flavors.
Deep dives
Family brewing and the importance of tradition
Family brewing holds a deep personal meaning for Matthias Trum, the owner and brewmaster of Schlenkerla. It is a sense of purpose and a connection to his lineage that drives the continuation of the long-standing family tradition. The historic Schlenkerla Tavern, housed in a building that dates back centuries, displays the ancestral lineage of brewers on its walls, giving a sense of continuity and passing on the flame to the next generation. The family's resilience and perseverance through past crises, such as World War II, instills a sense of reassurance and strength in times of adversity.
Preserving history and the importance of authenticity
Schlenkerla is not just a brewery, but a place that breathes history and past. The brewery and tavern embody the centuries-old brewing tradition and maintain the historic setup, from the Gothic arched ceiling to the wooden beams on the ceiling. The beer they brew, including the famous Rauchbier, is rooted in historic brewing styles and has been kept true to its origins. The commitment to preservation and the refusal to compromise authenticity have been key guiding principles for Schlenkerla, ensuring that the brewery remains true to its heritage.
Exploring historic malting techniques and smoke flavors
Schlenkerla's malting process incorporates both traditional methods and innovative approaches. The malt sourcing involves partnering with reputable suppliers who adhere to quality standards. The germination phase follows a standard procedure, with plans to move the germination boxes to the historic rock cellars for an even more traditional process. The kilning process, where the smoke flavors are developed, is the heart of Schlenkerla's distinctive beers. Different types of wood, such as beechwood, oak, elder, and cherry, are used for smoking the malt, resulting in unique and varied flavors. The blending of smoke malts between batches ensures consistent flavor profiles in the beers.
Adding new flavors while honoring tradition
To complement their classic Rauchbier, Schlenkerla has introduced new smoke beers that offer different taste experiences while staying true to their tradition. The Elder Smoke beer is a black beer with a smooth, intense smoke flavor balanced by the roasted aromas from the malt. The Vixl is a red lager with a subtle smokiness and a focus on fruity aromas, creating a mellow and refreshing beer. These new additions expand Schlenkerla's range and provide options for both seasoned fans and those looking for a lighter smoky flavor.
Historic Lagering Facilities
The speaker discusses the transition from wooden barrels to iron and aluminum vessels for lagering in the historic rock sellers. The decision was made to replace everything with stainless steel, which posed a challenge but ultimately improved the quality and capacity of the rock sellers.
Importance of Quality and Family Involvement
The speaker emphasizes the commitment to quality in brewing and the investment made to ensure high standards. Profit maximization is not prioritized, but rather a focus on maintaining high quality and preserving the family legacy. The involvement of the next generation is mentioned as a possibility, with the speaker's children showing some interest in the family brewery.
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Malteurop Malting Company Malteurop Malting Company (MMC) is based in North America—specializing in growing and producing quality malts for the craft beer and distilling industries. With local farms and Malthouses spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, MMC's commitment to excellence is fully ingrained into every batch it produces, ensuring breweries and distilleries of any size can create the finest beverages on the planet. Visit www.malteuropmaltingco.com to learn how MMC can support your malting needs. Contact MMC at customersuccess@malteurop.com or (844) 546-MALT (6258) for questions or to place your order.
