Brewing up a Classic – VIB Hermannator Ice Bock turns 25

When Vancouver Island Brewery first brewed Hermannator in 1987 it was intended as a special winter batch for the breweries closest friends and family. It quickly became evident that this beer was something special as year after year the number of people demanding a taste of this unique brew grew after each limited release.

Now 25 years and multiple world class brewing awards later, Hermannator is back on local beer retailers’ shelves, ready to make a limited release appearance for its Silver Anniversary. “To be able to brew a beer for over 25 years and have loyal customers coming back each year to enjoy this beer is a very rewarding feeling” stated Jim Dodds, General Manager at Vancouver Island Brewery. “Since 1984 we have loved brewing unique flavorful beers and Hermannator holds a special place in our hearts here at the brewery.”

A multiple gold medal winner at the World Beer Championships, Canadian Brewing Awards and also recently taking gold at the 2012 British Columbia Beer Awards, brew master Ralf Pitroff credits Hermannator’s quality ingredients and unique brewing tradition as recipe’s for this beers success. “What makes this beer so unique is that it takes up to 3 months to brew and mature from start to finish. Because the brewing process is so intensive and complex, there are few beers like it in Canada”. Pittroff also says that using a signature blend of chocolate and caramel malts creates a dark chestnut coloured beer with a full body and rich malt flavour. At 9.5% alc. by volume, Hermannator delivers a smooth, but assertive flavour with hints of plum, chocolate and a warming brandy like finish.

Crafted in small batches once a year and only bottled in limited quantities, this bavarian style Ice Bock is in high demand. Many local customers expect it to sell out well before the holidays are over. This is true testament to the craft beer savvy of local beer enthusiasts. The highly anticipated 25th Anniversary edition of Hermannator Ice Bock hit store shelves on October 24th and is available while supplies last.