Do cattails and cats remind you of relaxation? If so, then Lakefront Brewery must have had you in mind when selecting a name for its latest craft ale.
The Milwaukee-based microbrewery rolled out its latest brew -- called Cattail Ale -- in early April.
According to Lakefront president Russ Klitsch, the caramel malted beer carries the spirit of a Wisconsin summer.
"We wanted a name for a summer-style beer that also means relaxation," he says. Cattails are indigenous to the state and in full bloom during the warmer months. As for domestic cats, he says, they're well liked by most folks, including beer drinkers.
On the bottle's label an orange cat with a white-tipped tail and paws roams in a cluster of cattails.
The beer is available year-'round at Milwaukee area bars (on draft) like Nomad, BBC, Hooligan's, Von Trier and the Palomino. It's also sold at local liquor stores in a six-pack. Downer Liquor, Discount Liquor, Otto's and Ray's reportedly carry it.
"It's a beer you can have throughout the night," says Klitsch. "It's an aromatic, fruity beer."
Golden amber in color, it's brewed using a special strain of ester flour, along with water, yeast and malted barley. Kent Golding hops are added to balance the caramel malt and give it a malty, instead of bitter, finish. California Ale Yeast is also used.
Cattail Ale is the first year-round beer to be released by Lakefront in six years. Many of its beers -- such as Pumpkin Beer and Holiday Spice -- are seasonal.
