WHO: Epic Brewing Company
WHAT: Oak & Orchard Sour Ale Aged in Oak Barrels with Cherry, Blackberry and Black Currant (6.5% ABV)
WHEN & WHERE: Like the other beers in the Oak & Orchard Series, this beer will be released in single 375mL bottles. Full national distribution is rolling out throughout the month of July.
Epic is distributed in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington D.C., Washington, Wisconsin, & Wyoming.
ABOUT: A bit of info from Epic: Our newest Oak & Orchard Sour ale is packed to the brim with Blackberries, Black Currants and Cherries. The blend of fruit was originally inspired by the Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in the foeders we purchased from Sonoma Valley. The base beer features white wheat and spelt which adds a pleasant bread-crust backbone to the sweet and sharp berry notes. The beer was aged in oak foeders for over eight months before the fruit was added. This ensures the beer is well developed without losing any of the delicate flavor and aroma from the berries.
MY THOUGHTS: Like sours that make you pucker? If so, this is your beer! The latest Oak & Orchard is without a doubt the most sour beer I have ever had from Epic. But it’s much more than just a sour bomb; oaky undertones and three fruits create a complex flavor profile. Admittedly, I have never eaten black currants so I can’t say whether I could taste them, but the cherry and blackberry were strong. I love the combination of so many jammy fruits in one beer. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Cabernet Sauvignon, the inspiration for the combo, is one of my favorite types of red wine. This beer is intensely sour and insanely good.
To slightly tame its extreme tartness, I recommend pairing it with dark chocolate or a fine aged sharp Cheddar or Gouda.
