There are many career changers in craft beer circles: people who were previously dentists, businesswomen, carpenters or cooks find their calling in the beer industry and start a brewery. Many of these people started their business in their own four walls and discovered while brewing beer at home that their creations were suitable for the masses. There is no such story behind the Hamburg brand Barbarossa I Am - the team had already gained extensive experience in the field of beer before their first own brew saw the light of day.rn
It all started with Grainli®. The company from the Hanseatic city trades in animal feed, seeds, grains and pulses on a large scale. With the advent of the craft beer movement, a new market was recognized early on and the range was expanded to include various brewing malts and types of grain that are used in breweries. The Hamburg-based company established itself as a reliable partner in the brewing industry and also made a good name for itself in the craft beer scene. In developing the range, they worked closely with master brewers to create a selection that meets all requirements. At the same time, Grainli® launched the beer podcast Beer I Am: Together with illustrious guests from the world of beer, brewing pieces, trends and innovations in the brewhouse, new techniques, raw materials and styles were discussed. The beer knowledge that came with it gave rise to the idea of their own beer label in the minds of the team and finally prompted them to put this dream into action.rn
The driving force and brand manager behind the venture is John Patrick Grande. Together with Andries de Groen, the former brewmaster at the Dutch major brewery Grolsch, he put together a small range of four beers. Initially the idea was to bring the beers onto the market as a limited-time project, but the public had other plans. When the first brews - Porter , Hansebock , Imperial Stout and Gose - were released for sale under the name Barbarossa I Am, they were met with great enthusiasm and the decision was made to turn the project into a brand. What has remained of the project's character is the attention to detail: after the brewing process is complete, all of the brews go into hand-picked spirits and wine barrels and are left to mature in peace to reach their delicious best. The name of the label is a combination of the title of the podcast Beer I Am and Barbarossa, a key figure in Hamburg's beer history. The red-bearded ruler with a penchant for crusades granted the city on the Elbe the so-called charter, which laid the foundation for the trade in grain and the brewing industry. rn
Find here a select selection of Barbarossa I Am creations and find your new favorite beer from the Venice of the North!
