Carling Black Label, a popular beer brand, continues to be produced today. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with detailed information about its current production process and the breweries involved.
Carling Black Label is currently brewed under contract to Pabst at two Miller breweries located in Eden, North Carolina, and Trenton, Ohio. This means that Pabst, the owner of the Carling Black Label brand, has entered into an agreement with Miller to produce the beer on their behalf. This arrangement allows Pabst to maintain the quality and consistency of Carling Black Label while utilizing the brewing facilities and expertise of Miller.
Having visited several breweries throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to witness the beer production process firsthand. It is a fascinating experience to see the careful selection of ingredients, the precise measurements, and the meticulous brewing techniques employed to create a consistent and high-quality product.
At the Miller breweries in Eden, NC, and Trenton, OH, the production of Carling Black Label follows a similar process to other beers. The brewing starts with the selection of high-quality malted barley, which is milled to expose the starches needed for fermentation. The milled barley is then combined with hot water in a process called mashing, where enzymes break down the starches into fermentable sugars.
Once the sugars are extracted, the liquid, known as wort, is separated from the solid grain material. The wort is then boiled and hops are added to provide bitterness, flavor, and aroma to the beer. After boiling, the wort is rapidly cooled and transferred to fermentation vessels.
In these vessels, yeast is added, and fermentation takes place. The yeast consumes the sugars in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide as byproducts. This process typically takes several days to complete, after which the beer is conditioned and filtered to remove any remaining solids.
Carling Black Label, like many beers, undergoes a maturation process to develop its flavor profile. This can involve aging the beer in tanks or barrels for a specific period to allow the flavors to meld and mature. Once the desired flavor has been achieved, the beer is carbonated and packaged for distribution.
The production of Carling Black Label continues to meet the demand of beer enthusiasts who appreciate its taste and heritage. While it is no longer brewed directly by the Carling Brewing Company, the contract brewing arrangement with Miller allows for the continuation of this iconic brand.
Carling Black Label is still being made today. It is brewed under contract to Pabst at Miller breweries in Eden, NC, and Trenton, OH. The production process follows the standard brewing practices, ensuring the consistent quality of the beer.