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'Vat is shtyle?'Not so long ago we asked New Belgium Brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert, to explain what style beer he considered our special release, Skinny Dip, to be. Peter, in deadpan, responded: 'Vat is shtyle?' This is typical of Peter's desire to create new beer categories and flavor profiles. Belgian brewers have a long tradition of using fruit, spices and esoteric yeast strains. Our special release program allows our brew team to experiment with oaken vessels, Oregon raspberries or exotic kaffir lime leaves. Our brewers are given the freedom to create and reimagine old ideas with an eye toward creating something new. A beer writer once referred to Peter as the Andy Warhol of brewing because he refused to be put into a box. Peter likes to let the beers speak for themselves. So next time you have a Springboard Ale in front of you, breathe deeply the bouquet, keep your mind open and your palate clean, and after you take that first sip, listen carefully to what that beer is saying to you. |