Veneficium, named after a featured track on Xiu Xiu’s 13” Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto with Bison Horn Grips, was designed in collaboration with Jamie Stewart. A strong red ale brewed with wild foraged Heather flowers from Scotland, this beer packs a hearty punch and hefty bitterness in the finish. Predominantly malty, but with some unique floral notes derived from the 10lbs of heather flowers the wort was passed through on the way to the fermenter. The aroma opens up with a powerful bouquet of heather flowers, like lavender-infused wildflower honey and earthy moss. The flavor is malt forward, with a firm supporting bitterness from the hops. As the beer warms up, the alcohol opens up a bit more and lends a fruitiness to the finish.