curfew - bierbrand aus dem bourbonfass

Necessity is the mother of invention – the Wacken Brewery had to prove that during the pandemic. When nationwide lockdowns were imposed and public life came to a standstill, taps ran dry and refrigerators were full. Beer sales plummeted, and the Wacken Brewery also had liters of freshly brewed beer threatening to spoil. But instead of giving up, the team decided to explore new avenues – and transform the surplus beer into fine brandy.

Support came from overseas: The Texan distillery Garrison Brothers, known for its distinctive whiskeys, provided a barrel that had previously held bourbon. The beer brandy was allowed to mature in this barrel, absorbing the intense aromas of the liquor-soaked wood – vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spicy oak – which blended beautifully with the malty notes of the beer.

The distillate, called Curfew, pours into the glass a pale, quince-gold color with warm reflections. Its aroma is complex: malty, sweet, with subtle hints of toffee, vanilla, and roasted nuts. The brandy caresses the palate with a velvety texture. The flavor is well-rounded and robust, delivering a silky burn that lingers long on the finish.

Crisis and creativity – Curfew is not an ordinary beer brandy, but a monument to North German resilience and international friendship.