Come with us to Zorita! New Zorita Hazy IPA will take you there...
The Story
In the ninth century, a Muslim fortress (known as an alcazaba) was constructed to protect a large Muslim population near the former Roman Town of Recopolis. The castle existed in relative peace for many years until civil war broke out in Moorish Spain. Zorita Castle stood in the center of the conflict and was occupied by a number of groups as the Muslim factions battled for supremacy. In 1074 while under duress, the Berber leader of Toledo called upon Alfonso VI, King of the Christian kingdom of Leon and Castle for assistance. As payment for his support, Alfonso was ceded control of Zorita Castle. Over the following hundred years, the castle changed hands multiple times between the Christian and Muslim as the power shifted between these warring enemies. Around 1130, the castle was won by the Christians and was never again occupied by
Muslims. In 1158, the Order of Calatrava, a crusading order of the Knights Templar was founded. After losing a battle, they relocated their headquarters to Zorita Castle in 1195. During their occupation, many of the most impressive elements of the castle were built or expanded including the walls of the fortress, the church, the Albarrana Tower and the “Iron Gate”, the original Moorish entrance to the fortress from the town below. In the 13 th century the Castilian king declared there would be only three bridges over the Tagus River across which goods could be legally transported. This allowed for the taxing of transported goods and elevated Zorita’s importance for both the King, the Calatrava Order, and the town.
In 1545 a flood destroyed the bridge over the Tagus River and in 1565 the crown sold Zorita to the Duke of Pastrana and his wife, the Princess of Éboli. By this time the castle existed in rather poor shape. While they made modest improvements, the castle was sold again in 1723 by which time it was largely an abandoned ruin. In the 20 th century, the first archaeological exploration of the castle was launched. Today, Zorita Castle is the site of ongoing archaeological and restoration efforts.
To read more about the archaeology project, Lost Worlds’ involvement and founder, Dave Hamme’s, trek to Zorita with our community partner, AFAR, follow these links to read this three-part series.
Part One: Taking Archaeology to the next level
Part Two: A Day of GPR at Zorita Castle
The Discovery of Zorita Hazy IPA
Zorita Hazy IPA is a beer that packs a punch with a very well disguised 7.8 ABV that drinks like velvet. From the first tendrils of aroma, this double hopped beer delivers a plethora of hope aromas including berries, stone fruits, and tropical fruits. Zorita is fermented using the Sundew yeast strain – a yeast that lends an “orchard” like flavor. Zorita uses two row 2-Row as its base malt. White wheat malt (fuller body, head retention, slight haze) and oats (silky mouthfeel) are used to give this beer its soft, smooth finish. Caramel malt adds a slight caramel flavor to the IPA. Zorita Hazy IPA uses a concentration of three hops to deliver its strong aroma/flavor.
Taproom Artifact
Located roughly an hour’s drive Northwest of Madrid, Spain; Zorita Castle (photograph) was originally built in the ninth century by the Moors. The area was under relative peace until civil war broke out between varied Muslim factions. After coming to the aid of the Berber leader of Toledo, Alfonso VI, a Christian King, was given control of the castle. Over the following hundred years, the castle changed hands on multiple occasions between warring Christian and Muslim armies. In 1195, the Order of Calatrava, a crusading order of the Knights Templar relocated their headquarters to the castle and began massive renovations including building a church, expanding the castle walls, and constructing a large tower. The Order of Calatrava was one of the primary inspirations for the Nights Watch in the hit series “Game of Thrones” due to their level of commitment to their vows. The castle languished after the Order of Calatrava disbanded and it returned to the Spanish Crown. By the 17th century, it was largely an abandoned ruin. Today the castle is the site of ongoing archaeological excavations and restoration efforts that are supported by Lost Worlds Brewing.
Ingredients:
ABV 7.8%
IBU 21
Malts: 2 Row, Wheat, Crystal 20, Oats
Hops: El Dorado, Rakau, Strata