Maestra Agave Ale 2025

Maestra Agave Ale 2025 is a collaborative lambic-inspired ale brewed by is/was Brewing in Chicago with 150 pounds of roasted Salmiana agave hearts from Mezcal Villasuso in San Felipe, Guanajuato. The beer spent ten months in production — December through September — beginning with a mash of locally grown pilsner malt and malted Oaxacan Green Corn from Sugar Creek Malt, hopped only with aged hops to allow native lactic acid bacteria from the agave to acidify the beer naturally. The result is a collaboration that supports SACRED Agave's programs in Mexico while showcasing the terroir of San Felipe's wild yeast and bacteria in a beer made blocks from Off Premise's Lincoln Park bottle shop. is/was Brewing traveled to Villasuso with SACRED Agave to source the agave and document the process with Malena and Pedro, the family behind the mezcal. Salmiana agave, a varietal native to Guanajuato's semi-arid highlands, was roasted in earthen ovens before shipment to Chicago. The base beer fermented first, then was transferred onto the roasted agave hearts for an extended secondary fermentation designed to extract both the roasted agave flavor and the wild microflora clinging to the piñas. Aged hops — a traditional Belgian lambic technique — prevent spoilage organisms without suppressing the native lactic bacteria, allowing the beer to develop its funk and acidity without intervention. The 5.4% ABV ale pours with notes of sultanas, dried dark cherries, figs, and under-ripe strawberries, layered with poblano pepper, light roast Geisha coffee, and a touch of acidity on the finish. The roasted Salmiana contributes a vegetal backbone and a faint smokiness that distinguishes this edition from previous years. Pair it with mole poblano, aged Manchego, or duck confit — the acidity cuts through fat, and the agave's earthy sweetness complements rich, savory dishes. This is a beer to serve at cellar temperature in a tulip glass, ideally with friends who appreciate the intersection of brewing tradition and agave spirits. Maestra Agave Ale 2025 is available now at Off Premise Chicago, 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, for pickup, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.