Press Release: ‘Tis the season to be Jubel
Deschutes Brewery’s Jubelale continues to showcase local artists and offer an early taste of winter
In the throes of August heat, winter seems like a faraway dream. But local artist Tracy Leagjeld had fresh snow in mind when she designed the label for this year’s Jubelale, the playful holiday brew from Deschutes Brewery.
“One of my favorite things about Central Oregon winters is how often we wake up to blue skies after a winter storm,” said Leagjeld. “In this painting, I was trying to convey the feeling of a crisp snowy morning being warmed by the sun’s rays, and how lucky we are to have the Deschutes National Forest as our backyard playground.”
Leagjeld’s art is the latest in a long tradition of made-in-Bend labels for the beloved beer, which was the first ever bottled by Deschutes Brewery. The intricate and unique art on the label enhances the Jubelale experience much like beautiful wrapping paper enhances a gift; it also pays homage to local artists.
Brewer John Abraham describes this year’s Jubelale as having a spiced nose, with hints of citrus, brown sugar and pine. Flavors of chocolate, molasses, dates, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves stand out against the caramel backbone from the 1,400 pounds of medium and dark crystal malt. Five malts and seven varieties of hops lace smoothly through the last sip. A proper pour will give up one and a half to two fingers of firm, almond biscotti-colored head.
Abraham strives to give Jubelale drinkers the same kind of intrigue they experience when looking at a beautiful painting.
“The ingredients in Jubelale combine in a way that lets the beer take on a life of its own,” he says. “The flavor is more than the sum of its parts. Complexity and nuance are the things that painters and brewers alike strive for. The brewing gods smile on us when we make Jubelale.”
The annual Bend countdown to Jubelale will begin in mid-September, with local reader boards counting down the days until the October 1 release. Both the Portland and Bend Pubs will host Jubelale release parties on October 1. The Portland Pub’s celebration will feature Jubelale art through the years, as part of Portland’s monthly “First Thursday” Gallery Walk.
Beer Geek Information:
6.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
60 International Bitterness Unites (IBU)
Celebrating With Beer:
The brewery team recommends bringing Jubelale as a gift for the hosts of fall feasts and holiday parties.
Best Setting for Consumption:
In the back yard with friends, bundled up in puffy down jackets, chatting around an open fire.
About Deschutes Brewery
Deschutes Brewery is in the business of daring people to expect more from their beer. That’s why we started off in 1988, on the banks of the Deschutes River here in Bend, Oregon, selling Black Butte Porter at a time when others were sure a dark beer would never catch on. Our brewers love to push the envelope, especially if it makes someone nervous. For us, the highest praise is a raised glass and a toast of “Bravely Done!” Discover more at http://www.DeschutesBrewery.com or follow us on Twitter: @deschutesbeer.