Cracking open an ice-cold can of Montucky Cold Snack after a long day just hits different. The crisp, easy-drinking lager goes down smooth with its light maltiness and refreshing finish. But have you ever wondered exactly how they brew these iconic tallboy cans?
In this blog, we’ll unravel the mysteries behind Montucky Cold Snacks – from the brewing process and ingredients to their viral marketing success. Read on to learn the secrets behind these Montana-born brews.
Overview of Montucky Cold Snacks
Before we dig into the brewing details, let’s quickly recap what Montucky Cold Snacks are all about:
- Launched in 2018 in Bozeman, Montana by Beer Me Brewing Co
- Known for their minimalist, retro 16oz tallboy can design
- Brewed as a American-style lager with light, crisp, refreshing taste
- Lower 4% ABV makes them super crushable and drinkable
- Sold in 12-packs with quirky ‘80s-vibe branding
- Marketed with irreverent social media ads and merchandise
Now that we have the basics down, let’s unravel how these viral brews are made.
Malts and Grains
The malt bill is the backbone of any beer, providing the sugars that will be fermented into alcohol. For Montucky Cold Snacks, they use a simple grain mix of:
- Pilsner malt – This pale malt gives the beer its light color and also adds subtle biscuit/cracker flavors. Pilsner malt makes up the majority of the grain bill.
- White wheat – Wheat adds crispness, aids in head retention, and gives the beer a touch more body. It compliments the light pilsner malt.
- Flaked corn – A portion of flaked corn helps lighten the body and the flavor profile. Corn adds a mild sweetness.
This combination of malts and grains contributes to Montucky’s easy-drinking profile that’s smooth going down.
Hops Selection
The hops chosen to bitter and flavor the brew also affect the taste. Montucky Cold Snacks feature:
- Cascade hops – Used in the boil, Cascade adds moderate herbal, floral bitterness and some citrus notes.
- Mt. Hood hops – Used later in the boil and in dry hopping, Mt. Hood imparts delicate spicy and orange flavors.
By using these two Pacific Northwest hops in a specific schedule, Montucky achieves pleasant bitterness without aggressive hoppiness. It balances the light malt body.
The Brewing Process
Now let’s look at how Montucky Cold Snacks are brewed:
- The brewing water is treated to adjust mineral levels which affect the beer’s extract and final flavor. Montucky uses soft water.
- The grains are mashed with the brewing water to convert their starches to fermentable sugar.
- The liquid is separated from the grains and the wort (unfermented beer) is boiled. Hops are added at different stages of the boil.
- The wort is rapidly cooled and yeast is pitched to begin fermentation. Montucky likely uses a American lager yeast strain.
- The beer undergoes approximately 3-4 weeks of cold fermentation which helps achieve the crisp, clean lager taste.
- After fermentation, the beer is filtered and carbonated before being packaged into cans.
While Montucky keeps some details proprietary, this gives a general overview of how those refreshing Cold Snacks are brewed.
Ingredients List from the Can
Let’s look at the simple ingredients listed right on a can of Montucky Cold Snacks:
- Water
- Barley
- Hops
- Yeast
That’s it! No preservatives, additives, adjuncts, or extras. Just the four essential ingredients that brew a quality lager. Montucky lets the brewing do the talking.
The Viral Branding Success
In addition to the beer itself, a huge part of Montucky’s success is its branding. The minimalist, retro cans and ‘80s inspired designs are instantly recognizable. And their marketing is self-aware and full of sly humor which resonates with drinkers.
Some examples of their viral marketing tactics:
- Wacky merchandise like tee shirts, koozies, mud flaps, and stickers
- Amusing and sarcastic social media presence
- Positioning as an anti-elitist beer focused on drinking not dissecting
- Sponsoring events like disc golf tournaments to engage drinkers
- Endearing terms like “tallboy” and “pounder” for their cans
This tongue-in-cheek approach has earned Montucky a passionate fanbase that identifies with the brand as much as the beer itself. Their brewing process and marketing combine into an addictively drinkable phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about what goes into a Montucky Cold Snack:
1. Where is Montucky brewed?
In Bozeman, Montana at Beer Me Brewing Co. But you can find their tallboys distributed in 7 western states now.
2.Is Montucky considered craft beer?
Absolutely. Despite their large distribution, they are an independently owned craft brewery.
3.What food pairs well with Montucky?
Their light lager profile and crisp finish complements greasy foods like burgers, pizza, wings, and nachos nicely.
4.How are they able to keep the price so low?
By using simple recipes, minimal ingredients, and highly efficient brewing processes they can pass the value onto consumers.
5.What’s the meaning of the ram logo?
It refers to Montana’s state animal, the bighorn sheep. Montucky is proud of its Montana heritage.
Cracking Open a Cold One
Now that you know all about the brewing secrets that make Montucky Cold Snacks so drinkable, you can truly appreciate each tasty tallboy. Next time you crack one open, you’ll have an inside look at the quality ingredients, simplified brewing process, and viral branding behind these iconic cans. So savor a Montucky and say goodbye to fancy beer snobbery. Cheers!
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