pFriem Family Brewers R&D Brewer and Lead Blender Kyle Krause Talks Tequila Barrel-Aged Mole Stout

We spoke with pFriem Family Brewers R&D Brewer and Lead Blender Kyle Krause about Tequila Barrel-Aged Mole Stout.

Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
This is one of my recipes. It’s been on my idea sheet for years, and I was really excited to see it get the green light for production. 

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
While the aroma is lovely, this beer shines in the flavor department. It’s got warming cinnamon and smokey chilis, rich chocolate and a nutty roast character with a grassy finish from the tequila. 

Where does this beer’s name come from?
Our “name” always captures the style, the barrel treatment and any important characteristics. It’s a stout, we aged it in tequila barrels, and it was brewed with mole spices. Boom, it’s Tequila Barrel Aged Mole Stout.

Is this your “desert island beer?”
Not exactly. If this desert island already had tacos and Cerveza Victoria, then perhaps. 

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Dark roast with vanilla, smoke and spice, tequila finish.

Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
Our local spice shop helped us develop a custom spice blend for this beer that included over 40 different ingredients. The TTB, who approves beer labels and checks ingredients against a list of commonly used items, had LOTS of questions about this beer. 

What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Grilled chicken, coffee-dusted filet, lamb chops. Tortilla chips with smokey queso. Tres leches cake, chocolate-dipped popcorn.

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