Autobarn

7.5-9% Alc/Vol. Bottle and Keg Conditioned. 11-14 months old at release. Nano batch, 200 litres. Vegan. Silver medal, AIBA 2015. N.Z. Brewer's Guild Awards, 2015. Silver AIBA 2017. Gold AIBA 2018.  Label art: Michael O’Brien & Robin Crawford. Core range. Connection Beer with Choice Bros.

Kerry Gray from Choice Bros. suggested a connection beer and handed us a vial of The Dirty Dozen from East Coast Yeast. We made a strong version of our raw wheat and oat Grisette, then poured it into a freshly emptied Gewürztraminer barrique. Subsequently,  pinot gris barrels, then threw in the brett.. Barrel aged 12 months, Autobarn is more funk than sour, with winey vanilla overtones from the wood. This beer shows off all the farmyard character of a rustic Belgian Saison, done in a modern American way. Strong and yet refreshing, dry, yet surprisingly sweet, with a hint of vanilla oak. Served chilled. Music match to Kraftwerk's Autobahn. As they say in Belgium, Choice Bro!

Food pairing: Mussels, fish, Waterzooi, roasted fowl, Thai green curry. Sharp cheese, asparagus, witloof,  bread and butter.