Dokkaebier Head Brewer Aaron Weshnak Talks LP Witbier

We spoke with Dokkaebier Head Brewer Aaron Weshnak about LP Witbier.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
I created the basic recipe for LP Witbier. Before joining Dokkaebier as the head brewer, I spent about 10 years as a brewer at Russian River Brewing Company, Lost Coast Brewery, and was the head brewer for Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company and The Booth Brewing Co. I like hybrids, so our witbier series started as a way to make a Belgian wit without orange peel and coriander. Instead, we used Asian-inspired ingredients: lemongrass and black and Szechuan peppercorn. I went with a more German-style malt bill, a very simple American hop, and a versatile American yeast strain we use in nearly all our craft beers to allow these flavors to shine. 

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
Dokkaebier is the leading craft beer made with Asian-influenced ingredients, so we focus on the ingredients and let them speak for themselves. LP Witbier is our witbier with lemongrass and peppercorns.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
No! My desert island beer is Rolling Rock! I started drinking it in the late 90s, long before I knew what craft beer was. It's light, refreshing, and full of creamed corn goodness. My desert island beer from Dokkaebier is the Rice Kölsch. It's as traditional as a Kölsch as you can make outside of Germany, but we added rice to lighten the flavor and create a nutty flavor you didn’t know you wanted!

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
LP Witbier is fun with citrusy, herbal and earthy flavors.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
LP Witbier is a very technical beer to brew. We need to have a great mash and hit temperatures perfectly because of the amount of protein-rich grains. We ground all of the peppercorns fresh on that day to get the best flavor and aroma. The magic happens at the end when the whirlpool begins. The entire brewery smells like Fruity Pebbles when the lemongrass and freshly ground peppercorns hit the hot wort. The citrus and floral notes from the Szechuan peppercorns and lemongrass make a great combination.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
LP Witbier pairs well with heavy food and strong tastes, including spicy Korean food, burgers, and even sushi, whiskey and birria tacos. Both beers clear the palate and have a unique and exotic flavor profile.]

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