Now on Tap 2/13/10

MattStar Belgian Imperial Stout - 9% ABV

Oh Captain My Captain! Just in time for Valentines Day we are releasing the first beer in our Patron Inspiration Series of beers with MattStar, a Belgian Imperial Stout named for our good friend Matt Junak. On a personal note, ever brewer has his beginning and for me Matt was the person that got me started brewing beer. Matt had been brewing beer off and on with his brother for years. Brewing beer really started to interest me after I had discovered craft beer about 5 years ago and Matt said making beer was really easy. So with a little help from Irene (bought me my first home brew kit), Matt directed me down the path of crafting my first ale. That was about 4 years ago and it was an extract pale ale kit that we purchased from Michigan Brewing Company called TC's Pale Ale. Matt gave me several pointers and showed me how to force carbonate a keg......much easier than bottling. Over that first year we both brewed beers and shared them with each other. Some were successes, but most were not (Smokey Oakie, my overly boozy stout, my weird buttery tasting red ale). Regardless of how bad the beer was, Matt was always here to try a pint and tell me what he thought in his own way.

Since that first year we've gone in opposite directions with our brewing. Matt would probably say I brew too much and I would say....."damn Matt when you gonna make another brown ale to put on tap at the brewhaus?" Matt still brews from time to time, but other interests have filled his life (lasers & Gabby). However, once in a blue moon we get lucky enough over here to be able to put one of Matt's beers on tap. Regardless of how much we talk or see each other I always feel like Matt will be that to share a pint and shoot the shit with . Cheers to you Matty....AKA MattStar Junberg!

MattStar is a Belgian Imperial Stout with several very unique qualities. Its not as thick as some of the other stouts we make, but it has a great roasted flavor, with hints of dark and dried fruit. It also has a hoppy aspect to it that is uncommon in stout. Matt described it as being very similar to Founders Breakfast Stout, but still different. He said it definitely tastes like beer, which is a complement from Matt. MattStar went on tap today, so stop in and enjoy a pint with Matt, Irene and I.

CHEERS!!