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Honey and Thistle

by Brewmaster

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1.
Gertjan's first year back at the monastery after his encounter with the gnomes was a transformative one. He was brimming with new ideas and techniques that he had learned from the gnomes and was eager to apply them in his brewing.
2.
He spent long hours experimenting with new ingredients, perfecting the temperature and timing of his brews, and trying out different techniques he had learned. His fellow brewers were initially skeptical of his new methods, but as they saw the quality and unique flavors of his ales, they slowly came around to his way of thinking.
3.
The Abbot was pleased with Gertjan's progress and gave him the freedom to experiment and explore. Gertjan's ales soon became the talk of the monastery, and visitors from nearby towns and villages would come just to try his unique brews. Gertjan's work also brought him closer to the other monks in the monastery. He was always eager to share his knowledge and techniques, and he often spent his free time teaching and mentoring the younger brewers.
4.
Despite his successes, Gertjan never forgot the gnomes who had taught him so much. He often dreamed of returning to the woods to learn more from them, but he knew his duties to the monastery came first. Overall, Gertjan's first year back at the monastery was a time of growth, experimentation, and learning. He had found new inspiration and techniques, and he was excited to share them with his fellow brewers and the world.
5.
One of Gertjan's experimental brews that became quite popular in the monastery was a honey and thistle ale. For this brew, he used a combination of local wildflower honey and fresh thistle flowers to create a unique flavor profile. To make this ale, Gertjan first steeped the thistle flowers in boiling water to extract their flavor and aroma. He then added the honey to the thistle-infused water and brought the mixture to a boil to create a sweet and floral base for the ale. Next, he added a blend of specialty malts and hops to the mixture to balance out the sweetness and create a complex flavor profile. The resulting brew was a golden-hued ale with a sweet and floral aroma and a balanced flavor that featured notes of honey, thistle, and a slight bitterness from the hops. The monks at the monastery were impressed by Gertjan's innovative use of thistle in his brewing, as the plant was known for its medicinal properties but had never before been used in a beer. The honey and thistle ale became a popular choice among the monks, who appreciated its unique flavor and the skill required to create it.
6.
Gertjan had always been fascinated by the art of brewing, and after years of honing his craft, he had become a master brewer. However, he felt that there was something missing in the brewing world. He longed for a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood that he had never quite found in the brewing guilds of his time. So, he decided to create his own order of brewers. To do so, Gertjan began by seeking out like-minded brewers. He traveled far and wide, meeting brewers from all over the land, tasting their brews, and sharing his own. It was during these travels that he met a young brewer named Albrecht.
7.
Albrecht was a passionate and skilled brewer, and Gertjan was immediately struck by his talent. The two men quickly became friends, and Gertjan shared his vision for a new order of brewers. Albrecht was intrigued and agreed to help Gertjan in his mission. Together, Gertjan and Albrecht set out to find other brewers who shared their passion for brewing and their desire for a sense of community. They traveled from town to town, seeking out brewers who were willing to join them in their quest. It was during one such journey that they met a group of brewers led by a man named Ernst. Ernst was a gruff and stubborn man, but he was also a skilled brewer and had a great respect for the art of brewing. Gertjan and Albrecht spent several days with Ernst and his group, sharing their brews and discussing the idea of a new order of brewers. At first, Ernst was resistant to the idea, but eventually he saw the value in what Gertjan and Albrecht were proposing.
8.
As winter approached Gertjan found himself in many local taverns providing insight for striving brew folk. As a near wintery storm approached he found himself in the Lantilded Inn surrounded by fellow brewers. As night fell and the fire roared Gertjan stood and spoke.
9.
On that cold night Gertjan asked of all those in attendance to join him in a quest to create a new order. An order unconstrained with the rules and lifestyle of the Monasteries but rather one that stood for brewing in it's purest form. Creation of art. From that night on they called themselves the Brewers of the Sacred Pint, and their mission was to brew beer that was not only delicious but also infused with a sense of community.
10.
Gertjan and his fellow brewers worked tirelessly to perfect their brews, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create the perfect beer. They held regular meetings and brew-offs, sharing their knowledge and experiences with one another. And, as they brewed and shared their beer, they felt a sense of belonging and purpose that they had never felt before.
11.
As time passed, the Brewers of the Sacred Pint grew in size and reputation. They became known throughout the land for their exceptional brews and their commitment to community. And, as Gertjan looked back on his journey, he knew that he had created something truly special.

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An expansive next chapter in the life of the Brewmaster Gertjan Windels.


If you are so inclined. Here is the recipe for Gertjan's own Honey & Thistle Ale. Adapted for modern home brewing.

Ingredients:
* 7 lbs. pale malt extract
* 1 lb. honey
* 1 lb. thistle flowers
* 1 oz. Willamette hops
* 1 oz. Fuggle hops
* 1 package of ale yeast
* 5 gallons of water
Instructions:
1. Heat 2.5 gallons of water to 160°F in a large pot.
2. Crush the thistle flowers and add them to the water. Let steep for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the thistle flowers and add the honey to the pot. Stir to dissolve.
4. Add the malt extract and stir until fully dissolved.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the Willamette hops. Boil for 45 minutes.
6. Add the Fuggle hops and boil for an additional 15 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and cool the mixture to 70°F.
8. Transfer the mixture to a fermentation vessel and add the yeast.
9. Ferment for 7-10 days at 68-72°F.
10. Bottle the ale and condition for at least two weeks.
This recipe will produce a beer with a golden hue and a sweet, floral aroma. The thistle flowers will impart a unique, herbal flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey. The ale yeast will create a clean, crisp finish, and the hops will provide a subtle bitterness to balance the sweetness of the honey. Enjoy your own version of Gertjan's Honey and Thistle Ale!

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released September 22, 2023

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Brewmaster Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The untold tales of Brewmaster Gertjan Windels & his rise from apprenticeship to the formation of the Trappist Order.

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