Deschutes Brewery releases a unique Kriek-style Ale and the latest version of The Ages.
image sourced from Deschutes Brewery
Without a timetable in which pubs, taprooms, or restaurants will resume hosting; the brewers at Deschutes Brewery have dug into their brewers logs and cellars to release two fun beers.
Owing inspiration to both a local waterway and a famous Belgian-style, the brewers at Deschutes have created Tumalo Kriek. Part unique story and part metaphor, both the brewery’s name and this beer both originate from the Deschutes River. For it is via the Tumalo Creek, a waterway known to locals, from which this Kriek-style beer gets its name.
In recalling what this beer (and the tributary) means to them, the brewery sums it up as “... a place of magical, but accessible beauty, this beer pays homage to the water it carries to the brewery, the most vital ingredient in the beer.” For barrel master, Ben Kehs, one cannot escape recalling the regions falls or bountiful forests; inspiring memories of Christmas trees, firewood, fishing, trail exploration, or taking a moment to escape the sensory overload of the age.
Giving Tumalo Kriek its due, the brewers draw attention to the fact this is the largest, fruited, beer they have released to date. In fact, there is over 3 pounds of fruit per gallon. Explaining the inspiration for using so much fruit, Kehs had this to share.
“We wanted to create a mixed culture sour beer using local cherries that provided a counterpoint to our beloved Dissident, more cherry forward with a lower ABV and lighter malt bill to really let the cherry aroma and flavor shine through.”
At 6% ABV and 10 IBUs, look for bottles (at 500ml) available for takeout only, at Deschutes Brewery’s pubs in Bend and Virginia.
As a bonus, the brewery is happy to release the 2020 retention of their Geuze-inspired American Sour Ale, The Ages.
image courtesy Deschutes Brewery
First released in 2018, The Ages starts out as a beer aged with traditional English Ale Yeast, before going through a second metamorphosis in wooden barrels. Chaperoned by known spontaneous yeast strains (brett brux, brett lambicus, lacto, and pedio), this Geuze-style Ale rests for months before being deemed ready by the brewers. However, like a traditional Geuze, The Ages is a blend of the same beer from different wooden barrels, resulting in a one-of-kind beer each year. Or as the brewery sums it up.
A tasty new tart offering in our Reserve Series lineup. Flavors hit the back of the throat first and end with a tingle on the taste buds. Limited, small batch release.
In reviewing The Ages 2020-edition, the brewers recall a “... wild brew packed with fruity, spicy esters and savory, tangy pear and white pepper flavors.”
At 7.4% (alcohol by volume), The Ages 2020 is available for takeout, in 500ml bottles, takeout only, at Deschutes Brewery’s pubs in Bend and Virginia.
Live in Oregon or the District of Columbia? Deschutes Brewery will ship you beer via their online order form.
About Deschutes Brewery:
Deschutes Brewery, family and employee owned since 1988, is one of the quintessential beers of the Pacific Northwest. Founded on the guiding principles of true craftsmanship, ultimate quality, and extraordinary consumer experience, Deschutes Brewery is recognized for defining beers such as Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Fresh Squeezed IPA and the non-stop release of pioneering small batch experimental and barrel-aged beers. Deschutes can be found at its brewpubs in Bend and Portland, Oregon, Tasting Rooms in Bend, and Roanoke, Virginia and at accounts in 31 states across the country. Visit Deschutes Brewery’s beer finder at https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/beer-finder/ to find a Deschutes beer near you. www.deschutesbrewery.com
