WHO: Odell Brewing Co.
WHAT: Friek 2017, 6.9% ABV
WHEN & WHERE: Available now in limited quantities as a single 12oz bottle across Odell’s 15-state distribution footprint (Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, Wyoming, New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona, Illinois and Iowa).
ABOUT: A bit of info from Odell:
The 2017 batch of Friek marks the seventh year of the beer release and the first release of a Cellar Series offering in a 12oz bottle. Since 2006, Odell Brewing has offered their Cellar Series line in 750ml (25oz) bottles. Moving forward, all Cellar Series beers will be packaged and sold as single 12oz bottles.
The smaller format allows the Cellar Series beers to be available at a more affordable price. Brewed with aging in mind, these beers can be enjoyed right off the shelf or tucked away in the cellar and allowed to mature over time.
Friek is a unique blend of framboise (raspberry sour ale) and traditional lambic kriek (cherry sour ale). Each year, multiple generations of kriek ale age patiently in oak barrels, some dating back ten years in the Odell Brewing cellar. Fresh Colorado-grown raspberries are then added to the wild fermented brew just prior to the final blending, creating a subtle sweetness to balance the tart cherry flavors with an effervescent, dry finish.
MY THOUGHTS: Friek is one unique beer. It combines two delicious styles, framboise (raspberry sour ale) and traditional lambic kriek (cherry sour ale), into one. And this year’s batch is tart; I think this is the most tart Friek I have ever had, which makes this sour fan very happy. I felt the last couple of batches were more kriek-heavy, leaning toward the sweeter side. But this time around it tastes more framboise-like to me, with more noticeable raspberry throughout. I am truly impressed with 2017 Friek. I definitely recommend it, especially if you love sours.
It won’t be around for long, but it’s here just in time for the holidays! Pick up some bottles now to share with family and friends for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve…this beer is the perfect accompaniment to any celebration. It pairs well with seafood, goat cheese, chocolate, and you can even make a Friek-y turkey this year with Odell’s Friek Brine Smoked Turkey recipe.
Check your local liquor store, or use Odell’s Beer Finder to see where you can find yours.
