Graf Beer

ABV: 5.5%

Gravity: 14 dP

IBUs: 20

Malts: Pils, Vienna, Wheat Malt, Wheat Flakes, Flaked Barley

Hops: Azacca, Saaz

SECRET APPLE JUICE VARIETAL BLEND GROWN, HARVESTED, AND PRESSED AT RICKER HILL ORCHARDS IN TURNER, MAINE: Dabinett, Wickson, Golden Delicious, Golden Russet

Available Winter 2025

Lost in Maine

TASTING NOTES

Our example is a mariage parfait of farmhouse beer and farmhouse cider. A blend of about 70% beer to 30% apple juice hand selected, and pressed at Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Maine. Fermented with a Belgian yeast strain that pushes phenolic and fruity characteristics to pair well with the juice, the blend comes out with notes of apple-pear turnover and allspice. Mostly dry with a touch of sweetness on the back end.

What the hell is a graf?

Lost in Maine is a mix between a beer and a cider. The style has very loose guidelines as to the fermentation process as well as the blend. Although cider beer hybrids have been around for thousands of years, it was popularized and given the name “Graf”, or “Graff” by Stephen King (born in Maine to bring it all 360°) in his Dark Towers series in the 1980’s.

INGREDIENTS

Pilsner malt, Vienna, Wheat Malt, Wheat Flakes, Flaked Barley, Azacca Hops, Saaz Hops, Blended cider pressed by Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner Maine with Dabinett, Wickson, Golden Delicious, and Golden Russet apples