Better together. Lavender, Smoke, and our new partnership with Downie Wenjack Fund.
When we asked Avling brewer, Taylor MacKenzie, “why lavender” she responded: “because I am obsessed with lavender!” It’s easy to understand why – lavender has a long and rich history, it has been in use for over 2,500 years, and utilized in a huge variety of ways, from medicinal applications such as a disinfectant and an anti-inflammatory, to aromatherapy, and even for romantic seduction (Cleopatra is said to have seduced Julius Caesar and Marc Antony with it). Taylor is very familiar with lavender’s beneficial properties, growing 3 different types at home herself. When she is not working long hours making delicious beer for Avling’s customers, she is using that lavender to make soaps, lip balms, and candles for her own company, Trouble Maker. “Lavender is incredible” exclaims Taylor, “It is great for sleep, good for your skin, and overall, can be calming for your whole body.”
Selene, our Smoked Lavender Sour, was inspired by that love of lavender and by Taylor’s taste for smoky beers. After trying a lavender beer from BC (which was slightly overpowering), Taylor was keen to brew her own more delicate version with a fine balance of the two flavours. The Avling Kitchen presented a unique opportunity by having its own smoker: “Breweries usually have to purchase their smoked malt, but we could actually smoke our own malt with the lavender at the brewery” says Taylor. Barn Owl malt was smoked with sugar maple wood and rooftop lavender. This being the second version of Selene, Taylor increased the amount of lavender and slightly upped the body and alcohol percentage of the beer. Besides smoking the malt, lavender was used in two other parts of the brewing process: in the brew kettle, and in the fermenter. Sugar maple was used in place of applewood this year to increase the perceived sweetness. Kettle soured and can conditioned, Selene is slightly floral, slightly tart, and has a beautifully delicate mouthfeel that reveals a hint of smokiness as the beer warms up. “I didn’t want it to be overwhelming” explains Taylor, “A gentle balance to achieve a delicate tension.” On top of using Ontario malt from Belleville, the hops were sourced from Highland Hopyard in Meaford, making Selene another entry in our 99% Ontario beer series, which we’re proud to say consists of 99% fresh quality ingredients grown sustainably right here in Ontario.
Selene, Smoked Lavender Sour
We are very excited to announce that this year, Selene is being released in support of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF). DWF was created to raise awareness and provide access to education on the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada and to promote practical acts of reconciliation. A portion of all of Selene sales will go towards supporting their work. Over the remainder of 2021, Avling will work with DWF to develop a Legacy Space on our rooftop farm. Legacy Spaces are calm, welcoming, and safe spaces that allow visitors to reflect on Indigenous history and the long journey towards reconciliation. Seeing as our Legacy Space will be located on our rooftop farm, the area will prominently feature Indigenous plants and agricultural techniques. There is important work that each of us, as individuals and businesses, need to engage in, and we are honoured to be starting this journey with the Downie Wenjack Fund.
