Efe's Beercap Collection

Dommelsch Lentebier, Bock beer, 6,5%

Dommelsche Brewery (AB InBev), Dommelen, North Brabant, Netherlands

Dommelsch Brewery is a brewery founded in 1744 but the name Dommelsche has only been used since 1930. It is now part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev group, and still brews Dommelsch Pilsener and Brahma.
It was taken over by Brewery Artois in 1968, who later became Interbrew, and then part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev group in 2008.

Besides Dommelsch the brewery also made Hertog Jan, Jupiler, Leffe and Brahma.

Bock beers are all-malt brews and are high in malt sweetness. Malt character is a balance of sweetness and toasted or nut-like malt. “Bock” translates as “goat”.

One theory suggests that « bock » was used as a brand name by one of the earliest producers of this style of beer. It’s believed that a brewer in the city of Einbeck, Germany, brewed strong lagers in the 14th century. These beers became popular and were eventually referred to as « Einbeck Bier. » Over time, « Einbeck » was pronounced as « Ein Bock, » and then simply « Bock. »

Another theory connects the name to the imagery of a billy goat. In the 17th century, a Munich brewer named Elias Pilcher started brewing strong beer and used a billy goat on the label of his bottles. The term « bock » could have become associated with strong beer because of this imagery.

Bock beer is often associated with the arrival of spring and was traditionally brewed for special occasions, including Lent and Easter. Some believe that the goat imagery symbolized the transition from the cold, harsh winter (represented by a goat) to the more festive and celebratory spring season.

Mira Brune no.6, Braun beer, 6.2°

Brasserie Mira, La Teste-de-Buch (Bordeaux), France

Lycia (Likya) was an ancient region located on the southern coast of Anatolia, which is now part of modern-day Antalya, Turkey. Lycians were indigenous people with their own distinct culture & language. Lycia existed as an independent kingdom & later became part of various empires including the Persian Empire, the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire, and eventually the Roman Empire.

The region of Lycia is renowned for ancient cities, such as Xanthos, Patara, Phaselis and Myra, well-preserved ruins, including temples, theaters, and rock-cut tombs.

The Lycians also left behind inscriptions in their indigenous language, which has contributed to the understanding of their society and language.

Nearby, Mount Chimaera was a place in ancient Lycia that gained fame for its constantly burning fires. The area, now known as “Yanartaş” (burning stone), features the emergence of methane & other gases from the rock, causing perpetual flames to burn. This phenomenon is thought to be the inspiration for the mythological Chimera, a creature with the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and a serpent's tail.

Myra (today Demre, Turkey) was a prominent city in the Byzantine Empire and played a significant role in early Christianity. It was the episcopal see of Saint Nicholas, the popular figure known as Santa Claus. The Church of St. Nicholas, dedicated to the saint, was located in Myra’s island. Pilgrims from around the world visited the city to pay homage to Saint Nicholas, and his tomb is believed to be located there.

Hermann's Dark Lager, Munich Dunkel, 5° / IBU 25

Vancouver Island Brewery (1984), Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

This Brewery was founded in 1984 by Barry Fisher and Paddy Crompton, who were inspired by the craft beer movement in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
The brewery started as a small operation in a 2,000-square-foot warehouse, producing just two types of beer: Hermann's Dark Lager and Islander Lager. Over time, the brewery expanded its offerings to include a range of traditional and experimental beer styles, such as Pale Ale, India Pale Ale (IPA), and Porter, among others.

In 1996, Vancouver Island Brewery was acquired by Mark Anthony Brands, a company known for its wine and spirits brands. This allowed the brewery to invest in new equipment and expand its distribution across Canada.

Today, Vancouver Island Brewery is one of the oldest and most respected craft breweries in Canada, known for its commitment to using local, high-quality ingredients and its innovative beer styles. In addition to its core lineup of beers, the brewery also produces limited-edition seasonal and collaboration brews.

In recent years, Vancouver Island Brewery has also focused on sustainability initiatives, such as reducing its carbon footprint and water usage, and supporting local conservation and community organizations. The brewery has partnered with local organizations to raise funds and awareness for causes such as marine conservation and mental health support, and it regularly hosts events and activities to bring people together and celebrate craft beer culture.

Fruits of the Doom, Sour-Fruited, 6.3° / IBU: 10

La Calavera, Sant Joan de les Abadesses, Catalunya, Spain

Calavera Coop is a craft beer brewery in the town of Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona. Founded in 2012 by a group of friends who shared a passion for craft beer & a commitment to social & environmental values. Calavera Coop is a worker-owned cooperative, which means that the workers own & manage the brewery collectively.

The brewery produces a range of craft beers. They are known for their Serial Punks series, which features collaborations with punk rock bands. Calavera Coop is also involved in a number of community and environmental initiatives, such as supporting local agriculture and donating a portion of their profits to social causes. The brewery is committed to sustainability & uses renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power their operations.

Calavera Coop has its roots in social & political activism as its founders were involved in various protests in the past. They mobilized against the Poll Tax in the UK (late 80s & early 90s).
The Poll Tax was a controversial tax system that was widely seen as unfair & sparked widespread civil unrest in the UK. Many people refused to pay the tax, & there were mass demonstrations & acts of civil disobedience.

They were also involved in protests against the Fifth Centenary celebrations in 1992, which marked the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas, because of devastating consequences for the indigenous populations, including genocide, slavery, & cultural destruction. These protests aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing impacts of colonialism and to promote the recognition and empowerment of indigenous peoples.