Passover Beer? Sampling Shmaltz Brewing's He'Brew Rejewvenator

With Passover starting today, I was looking for a brew with enough chutzpah to keep me satisfied for an entire week. Yes, unfortunately beer isn't Kosher for Passover, not even this prime specimen, so if you're celebrating, no brews for you until April 22nd. Eight whole days without beer might be a great time to venture into the world of Kosher wine, but that's no excuse to not drink awesome beer before and after the holiday (like I'm doing).

Thankfully the mensches at Shmaltz Brewing Company have crafted a perfect beer for the occasion at their new brewery in Clifton Park, NY. Rejewvenator, as this annual release from their He'Brew line is called, is a combination of Belgian Dubbel ale and Doppelbock lager (known affectionately as a dubbel doppel). It's been brewed in past years with figs, dates and grapes. This year's edition features both California Merlot and New York Concord grapes as homage to their California roots and current New York home. At 8%, it's about standard for both styles.

Rejewvenator pours out dark amber color with a one-finger head. Right off the bat, the Belgian Dubbel qualities jump out, though the heartiness of the dopplebock shines through as it warms. There's nice fruitiness from the grapes as well as dark fruit flavors and a candied sweetness from the yeast. There's also a great vinous characteristic which still allows it to be a beer with the subtle flavors of wine.

This is a great entry into the He'Brew beer catalogue and for me at least, the best Rejewvenator to date. The use of traditional Middle Eastern fruits in these celebratory beers proves to be delicious, and the style suits the flavors well. It's a great pairing for rich food, and if it wasn't in your glass Sunday night with a hearty pre-seder dinner, break it out next week to celebrate putting away the matzoh for another year.

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