Saint Arnold of Soissons is the patron saint of hop-pickers and Belgian Brewers. Arnold lived from 1040 to 1087, he was born near Flanders. He started out low in the Benedictine monastery of Soissons (France) but eventually was made the abbot. He eventually worked up to being a bishop, but didn't want to do that. Later in life he founded the Abbey of St. Peter in Oudenburg.At that abbey, he started to brew beer. He made the locals drink beer instead of water, claiming it gave the gift of health. He was right, as the hour long boil for beer killed most of the bad things in the water.
The romantic story involving Arnold of Soissons is that back when he was in Flanders, a monastery room collapsed, destroying the monk's supply of beer. After the collapse, only a few barrels of beer remained, Arnold prayed and asked God for help, and the barrels multiplied (like the loaves and fishes). Arnold was proclaimed a saint by the people and the monks on the spot.
Arnold is often shown with, what looks like a trident, but is actually a mashing rake. Which is used to stir the grains, as they thicken up in an all-grain mash.
At one point in history, Saint Arnold's feast day was on August 15, it has since been moved to July 8.
About the beer:
A well balanced, full flavored, amber ale. It has a rich, malty body with a pleasant caramel character derived from a specialty Caravienne malt. A complex hop aroma, with a hint of floral and citrus comes from a combination of Cascades and Liberty hops. It has a rich, creamy head with a fine lace. The light fruitiness, characteristic of ales, is derived from a proprietary yeast strain.
Saint Arnold Amber Ale is best consumed at 50 - 55° Fahrenheit.
Recommended pairings: Hamburger, fried seafood, & hearty soups.
Actually, Saint Arnold Brewery isn't named for Saint Arnold of Soissons, but for Saint Arnold of Metz, but he's for another day.
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