Every winter, we follow a Bavarian brewing tradition established in the 1600s by the Paulaner monks of Munich who brewed a strong beer, or liquid bread, to nourish them during their Lenten fast. They called their bier Salvator, meaning “our Savior.”
To this day, Bavarian breweries commemorate this tradition by releasing a Doppelbock for Lent, also known as Starkbierzeit, meaning “strong bier season.” Brewers honor the original Salvator by giving their Doppelbocks names with an “ator” or ‘a-tor’ ending, such as the Ayinger brewery’s Celebrator, Spaten’s Optimator, and Augustiner’s Maximator.
This will be the first year we have given an ‘a-tor’ ending to the name of our annual Doppelbock, which for 2021 is named Carolator. Carolator is named in memory of Carol Crawford, older sister of KC Bier Co. founder and managing owner Steve Holle. Carol passed away in 2020 and was loved by many at the brewery.
Carolator is a 7.4% ABV Heller Doppelbock brewed with 100% Pilsner malt that was cold conditioned for more than nine weeks to develop an incredibly smooth, clean finish. It will be available in bottles and on draught exclusively in our Bierhalle beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 17. (Carolator 6-packs will be $9.99 each).
In keeping with Doppelbock’s historical purpose, Carolator was also blessed in our cellar before packaging by the Rev. Jeremy Loesch of Holy Trinity in Grandview, MO, where Carol was the director of the pre-school.
Carol was a devoted teacher and a tireless volunteer for many causes. One cause especially close to her heart was Developing Potential Inc., a local nonprofit organization that provides habilitation services to adults with disabilities, including Carol’s son, Michael. KC Bier Co. will donate a portion of the Carolator sales to DPI in memory of Carol.
From the moment we opened the brewery in 2014 to her passing last year, Carol’s benevolent smile, endearing laughter and warm spirit were a constant presence in our Bierhalle. She inspired many with her generous, selfless nature, and is missed dearly. Please remember her when you raise a glass of this bier — and may we all aspire to live as she did, with a loving and generous heart. Zum Wohl!
