Photo courtesy Maui Brewing Co.
Maui Brewing Company recently released a new limited edition beer inspired by St. Damien de Veuster and perfectly timed for the 10th anniversary of the Belgian-Hawaii priest’s canonization.
Saint Damien “is a robust Bourbon and Brandy Barrel-Aged Belgian strong dark Ale” available on tap at Maui Brewing Co.’s four locations and also in limited release 750ml bottles, according to Marsha Hansen, the brewery’s marketing manager. Due to its smaller batch size, you’ll only find the bottled St. Damien beer at smaller bottle shops or at Tamura’s.*
“With this recipe, we honor Saint Damien, the Belgium-born Priest canonized for his vocation on the island of Molokai from 1873 to 1889,” reads the Maui Brewing Co. release. “This divine beer is aromatic with rich malt sweetness and hints of dried cherry, fig, and maple syrup balanced among charred oak, offering a complex, smooth, and warming booziness.”
I have personally tried the new beer and can attest that it’s as rich and multi-layered as the Catholic faith itself, hyperbole intended.
Maui Brewing Co. also has a previously released Belgian strong ale called “Father Damien,” which Hansen said is only available on draft right now.
– Anna Weaver, Hawaii Catholic Herald
UPDATE: Hansen relayed on Oct. 10 that these stores are supposed to be carrying the bottled St. Damien beer: Tamura’s, Whole Foods (retailing for a 750ml, $27.99/bottle), Village Bottle Shop, and Maui Brewing Co. locations. Call ahead to make sure a location has the beer in stock as this was a limited release.