The amazing brewers at @hopnationbeer were winemakers in a previous life, and they’ve returned to their roots with a new side project – @siteferment . As part of the Site Fermentation Project they are making mixed fermentation beers as well as single vineyard wines. This is exciting stuff for lovers of beer and wine (like me) to be in the hands of such skilful artisans.
The 2018 Lapin Cherry Sour Blonde is the first of the beers I’ve been able to find. They used their foedre aged blonde sour and refermented it with 250kg of organic Victorian cherries. This is a proper sour beer – tart, funky, complex. It’s sitting as my favourite beer of the year so far. It’s going to take some beating. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Can. Pours a purple/red/pink of cherries with a small white head that dissipates almost immediately. Wonderful aromas of funky barnyard, oak, cherries and vinous elements. Incredibly tart up front, with wonderful sour cherries and hints of raspberries and strawberries. Complex, funky oak and barnyard, along with Pinot Noir like vinous notes. High carbonation and high refreshment.
4.3/5. Trent. Purchased @lugarnocellars