Brewing Beer And Making History
Andy Hedinger and Vince Luecke are helping the Benedictine Sisters of Ferdinand make history – by brewing and selling a variety of beers at St. Benedict’s Brew Works on the grounds of Monastery Immaculate Conception.
Their operation appears to be only the second active brewery at a monastery of religious women in the world. The other is located at Mallersdorf Abbey in Germany, where Franciscan Sister Doris Engelhard continues to serve as the brew master and is known as Europe’s last beer-making nun.
“I want to make clear that the sisters are not brewing beer,” Luecke said recently with a smile. “But we do consider this kind of a secondary ministry for the sisters because we have a revenue-sharing arrangement that generates funds for their many programs.”
Its first month of operation suggests that St. Benedict’s Brew Works is a big hit. “We had around 1,200 people here for our opening weekend in early October,” Luecke said. “We ended up having to tap some beer that we were saving for our second week of operation because we pretty much sold out what we brewed for the opening. Our business has continued to be brisk, which is exciting.
“We brew in small batches,” he said, “which gives us the opportunity to offer a variety that we can constantly rotate. We definitely have to plan and brew constantly to keep up, but that is a good problem to have.”
Hedinger is an attorney, and Luecke is in the newspaper business; he is editor of the Perry County News in Tell City. Both have been involved in craft-beer brewing for some time, and Hedinger’s family owns Monkey Hollow Winery in St. Meinrad.
During a recent visit to the winery, which occupies the former art studio at Monastery Immaculate Conception, customers had a choice of four beers on tap, with descriptions of each on the beer list:
Sister’s Farmhouse Ale: “This Belgian farmhouse ale is light, fruity and easygoing.”
Pax Pale Ale: “Lightly hopped pale ale brewed with Warrior and Galaxy hops.”
Sister Barbara Brown: “Hoppy brown brew with hints of chocolate to tease the palate.”
Santimonious Stout: “A sweet stout brewed with lactose sugar. This smooth brew has hints of chocolate and coffee.”
Wait … Sister Barbara Brown?! Is this named for monastery Prioress Sister Barbara Lynn Schmitz? “It is,” Luecke said with a grin. “We are always respectful, but we like to have some fun with our names.”
Hedinger and Luecke didn’t reveal the name for their special Christmas-season brew, which they are working to have ready in time for the Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt Nov. 21-22. “It is a Belgian style beer with spices,” Luecke said.
The partners also have developed branded merchandise, including logo beer glasses, a growler (i.e. a quart-size washable, reusable glass bottle intended for “take home” customers), coasters, t-shirts and a hoodie.
The formal address of St. Benedict’s Brew Works is 860 E. 10th St., Ferdinand IN 47532. It is adjacent to the monastery gift shop, and is open weekends from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. ET on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. ET on Sunday. The brewers-owners also have been holding “Friday After 4” events from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. ET on Fridays.
You can check the brewery’s Facebook page for updates at www.facebook.com/StBenedictsBrewWorks.
Luecke said they are planning to add food service after the first of the year. Customer now can snack on a variety of chips and, of course, Tell City Ptretzels.
“We also hope to bring bottling beer for sale locally after the first of the year,” he added. “We’re looking at champagne-style, 16 oz. bottles.”
Luecke talked about the Rule of St. Benedict – specifically Chapter 53 – as he discussed his and Hedinger’s approach to their growing business. “St. Benedict tells us that we must welcome all visitors as Christ,” he said, “and we extend that to folks who walk in the door here.”
