Marble Beers Damage Plan Launch - Brewer Interview

On Friday 19th February 2016, at the launch of their new 7.1% keg IPA Damage Plan, I managed to snag a few minutes with Marble's head brewer, JK.  And I got a more comprehensive answer to one of my questions than I'd expected!

CyberBeer: Why such a strong beer?

JK: Its not particularly strong,  7.1 is a nice, cheeky IPA strength.  As the year have progressed, with American brewing being the driving being most brewing in the world beers have become stronger, so we're just doing what we need to do to say current with the market, really.  It's a good session strength, you can drink schooners of it and you're okay.  You don't have to drink pints and pints of it, its not that sort of beer.  Its a casual beer, you can drink it with food.

CyberBeer: How did you come up with the name?

JK:I'm a massive metal fan, I love heavy metal and my favourite guitarist is Dimebag Darrell. Dimebag split away from Pantera with his brother and started Damage Plan and he's dead, its my homage to Dimebag

CyberBeer What hops have you used in it?

JK:We've used Summit, Equinox and Mosaic are the three main hops we've used for aroma and flavour

CyberBeer: What type of malt have you used in it?

JK: Low Colour and  Maris Otter, that's it.  We did use some acidulated malts to change the PH of the mash, but that's it, very simple malts.  Just wanted it about the hops really,

CyberBeer: Is there a target market for this beer?

JK: To be honest, I brew beer that I like and I want to drink, so when I think of a beer I want to brew its what I want to drink and I hope everyone else does really

CyberBeer: Is this your first foray into "craft beer"?

JK: No, no , no.  I used to work for Thornbridge, I've worked for Fullers. I was head brewer at Buxton for a couple of years and I've home brewed since I was 15.  My ex assistant brewer at Buxton was Joe, who's mum owns Marble, so I've known them for years.

CyberBeer Have you tried it?

JK: Yes

CyberBeer:  What's your opinion, as the brewer?
JK: It's good.  I'm actually really pleased, 'cos there's usually something wrong with the beer you brew, but, it needs a touch more carbonation, but that's it.  I'm well pleased with it.