Redwood
5.8% alc./vol.
Annually we forage in the local area, raiding the hedgerows and countryside for late summer berries and fruits - these turn out blackberries, cranberries, sloes, quince, plums, rosehips and others. We stuff these into red wine barrels filled with sour red ale and let it mature for 1 year before releasing in the early Autumn.
Experience:
Appearance: Ruby Red
Aroma:Tart berries
Flavour: Summer berry compote
Finish: Mouthwatering acidity
Stats:
ABV 5.8%, IBU 10, SRM 24, Plato 15
Unique Aspect: The interplay of wood character and fruit means that this beer is tart and dry rather than sweet and syrupy. Belgian beers which use this style of fruit refermentation are appauled at the length of time in barrel. The typical Kriek (or any other fruited lambic) will be in contact with the beer for a maximum of 3 months. However the depth of character from the extended ageing develops a more ‘jammy’ aromatic note which we are a big fan of...
Food Pairings:
Throw away any sort of cranberry, blueberry, raspberry coulis that you would put on any dish, serve Redwood instead. Alternatively use the Redwood in any sauce you are creating with fruit. The acidity has excellent cutting power while the tannins obtained from the barrels mean it can stand up to bold flavours. Duck is a firm favourite to pair with however so is blue cheese and chocolate torte - so it’s fairly versatile!
Ingredients:
Grains: Barley, Golden Promise, Crystal, Caragold, Carared, Chocolate, Wheat
Hops: Fuggles, Saaz
Yeast: English Ale, Brettanomyces
