Pinot Nouveau is a Norwegian farmhouse beer aged in Pinot Noir barrels forms the ultimate beer-wine hybrid. Blurring the lines between beer and wine, we explored the marriage of flavors between grape and grain and barrels. The objective of this beer style is to achieve a balance between the wine and beer and their characters.

Using a blonde ale base recipe, we fermented the beer at elevated temperatures with a Norwegian farmhouse yeast strain, in the style of Kviek beer. We then racked the beer into Pinot Noir barrels with whole Pinot Noir grapes from Ribbon Ridge Winery out of Newberg. By putting whole clusters of fruit, we hoped to achieve some carbonic maceration of the grapes to create a fruity yet soft tannin flavor. Take note of the flavors of strawberry, raspberries, and cherries as they integrate with the soft tannins of the barrels.

Label Fowl: The Red Winged Blackbird