As fans of both local microbreweries and exceptional beer, it only makes sense that Dundee Bank would partner with Scriptown Brewing Company. In celebration of National Beer Lovers’ Day, we’re excited to share the story behind our collaboration with Scriptown Brewing and the journey that led us to create a beer that truly represents our community.

A Collaboration Rooted in Community

Last year, Dundee Bank connected with John Fahrer, the owner of Scriptown Brewing Company, with a vision to craft something special—something that would not only be a delicious treat for our customers but also capture the essence of our community. The idea was to create a beer that resonated with the local culture, combining tradition with innovation.

The Brewing Journey

The collaboration kicked off with the acquisition of a 53-gallon bourbon barrel in May 2022. However, the process was not as straightforward as one might imagine. To ensure the barrel remained in optimal condition until the brewing process began, their team had to fill it with water to keep the wood hydrated. If left empty, the wood would dry out and shrink, compromising the barrel’s integrity.

By late summer, they decided on brewing a Czech-style Pivo Tmavé—a dark lager that we felt would perfectly complement the subtle complexities imparted by the bourbon barrel. After 8 weeks of careful fermentation and lagering, the beer was ready to be transferred into the barrel.

Upon emptying the water from the barrel, a fair amount of char was lost—the lightly charred oak that adds the subtle burnt and caramel notes to bourbon. Despite this, the oak’s character remained prominent in the beer, lending its rich tannins and vanilla undertones to the final product.

The Perfect Blend

At 6.8% ABV, our creation—Dundee Dark Czech Lager—is not as robust as an imperial stout but has a depth of flavor that reflects the careful balance we aimed to achieve. After 13 months in the barrel, the beer had absorbed just enough wood character to create a harmonious blend of malt richness and oak complexity.

To achieve the final product, the Scriptown team struck a perfect balance that showcases the beer’s rich malt character alongside the nuanced flavors of oak, tannins, and vanilla.

A Toast to Collaboration

This journey was more than just creating a beer; it was about bringing together two local entities with a shared love for craft and community. As we raise a glass on this National Beer Lovers’ Day, we invite you to join us in celebrating not only the final product but also the collaborative spirit that made it possible.

Here’s to great beer, strong community ties, and the perfect brew. Cheers!