What’s Brewin’?

Micah Krichinsky, founder and brewer of Strangebird Brewery in Rochester, New York, is an established, award-winning brewer. In 2022, his brewery took home the Brewery of the Year at the New York State Craft Beer Competition. But in 2012, when he came through the UC Davis Master Brewers Certificate Program, he was a young, impressionable brewer eagerly taking in lectures from Charlie Bamforth.   

“The man has an ocean of beer knowledge so edified in his mind that he does not use notes, ever,” says Krichinsky. “Anyone that has sat for a lecture knows that Charlie has a way with words. He has many stories. One trope that is indelible in my mind is that proper foam should leave lacing on the beer glass reminiscent of cathedral windows.”  

More than a decade later, Strangebird decides to brew a hop-forward lager in honor of Bamforth. “We wanted to brew an old-world beer made new for today’s craft beer drinkers. There is a lager renaissance currently taking place that we are thoroughly enjoying” says Krichinsky. “A Czech pale lager made sense to us, so we dug deep into Czech culture and tradition. Considering the traditional grain and hop bill that would be used, I was certain it would have stable foam and would be so nice to honor the Pope of Foam by naming this lager Cathedral Windows.” 

Beer Name: Cathedral Windows 

Date Created: Brewed 10/16/23 and Tapped 11/30/23 

Style: Barrel-lagered Czech pale lager 

Specs: 5.4%  / 35 IBUs 

According to Krichinsky, the beer is Strangebird’s take on a traditional Czech pale lager. Cathedral Windows lagered in neutral oak barrels for over a month under the guidance of “barrel wizard” Eric Salazar, a partner at Strangebird, who came on board after working at New Belgium for over 20 years and ascending to the role of wood cellar manager. 

Cathedral Windows is available draft only at Strangebird Brewery in Rochester, New York. 

Learn more about the UC Davis Master Brewers Certificate Program.