Original Illuminator description to follow, this was aged using barrels sourced by Midwest Barrel Company. It was aged picking up notes of vanilla, spice and bourbon.

Working to nourish their bodies through lengthy Lenten fasts, the monks of Neudeck ob der Au outside of Munich are credited with developing the rich-and-malty style of beer. Packed with carbohydrates, calories, and vitamins, this “liquid bread” is said to have sustained the monks from Ash Wednesday to Easter, and more than 300 years later, the monastic history and quality of this beer style is well known throughout the world. “A bold, unfiltered, monk’s Lenten session beer,” successfully put to the Lenten test by our brewer in 2011, Illuminator brings notes of rich, malty-sweet bread and dark fruit alongside a touch of alcohol warmth.

In three words: Malty. Bready. Sustaining.

Pairs with: Ham. Bread Pudding. Contemplation.