Big Rock Brewery announces Ivan the Fermentable, Russian Style Kvass - the newest Alchemist Edition release.
Leftover bread could be fermented in the kitchen with water and yeast to create low alcohol refreshment. In 16th century Russia, uneaten food would never be left to spoil. Our Brewmaster, Paul Gautreau, was inspired by this early resourceful triumph of sustainability.
Evolving from this is a unique easy drinking beer made from dark rye bread. Why go to a baker for the bread when we have an entire team of eager contributor's right here at the brewery?
From the start, our Kvass always had a community feel to it and after a few test batches we sent 22 of our Big Rock comrades to their home kitchens to mix, knead and bake. We collected 155 loaves of home baked heavy dark rye bread with raisins and cinnamon, sliced and heavily toasted.
This beer was as difficult to coordinate as it was to brew. Formulating, searching out ingredients, baking, toasting and brewing were all completed by a thirsty and enthusiastic team.
The result...Ivan the Fermentable. Our version of a Russian style Kvass. Only 3,000 bottles are being produced, making this 2.5% brew one of our more limited releases. Available in a 650ml bomber bottle, Ivan the Fermentable makes its appearance November 7th, 2014 in Alberta.
