Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week:" He'Brew Origin Ale

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Aug 6, 2008 6:00PM

"A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey..."

- Deuteronomy Chapter 8, Verse 8

The Schmaltz Brewing Company, makers of the He'Brew line of beers, make both tasty ales and have a good sense of humor about their Yiddishness. The above quoted Scripture, where the presence of barley, wheat and pomegranates proved the bounty of the Land of Milk and Honey, formed the inspiration for their Origin Ale. Pomegranates, in particular, have long held important prominence in religion and the earliest of civilizations. They've been consumed to provide knowledge; to attain spiritual peace; for fertility, wisdom and strength; as an aphrodisiac and to rid men and women of evil impulses.

Origin is an Imperial Amber Ale brewed with a hosts of malts and hops, with just enough pomegranate juice added to the mix to signal its presence. It pours a deep copper with very little head, almost like a barley wine or a bragout. Keeping with the Land of Milk and Honey theme the malt is slightly dominant on the palate, with 2-Row, Dark Crystal and wheat malts really adding to the pomegranate flavor. The hops used here, including Warrior, Cascade and Mt. Hood, impart a light spice to the beer that doesn't distract from the malt. After a weekend of Lollapalooza burnout, it was enough for us to just crack the bomber bottle open and drink this on the front stoop with a neighbor from across the street.

Origin can be found at most of the popular beer bars around town including Hopleaf ($10) and Quencher's. Retail from Sam's or Binny's will be cheaper. Origin makes for a great pair with fruits, lighter chocolates and sweeter desserts. Origin is also Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week."