jin∙jr
de Garde Brewing

 

this one really blew me way, so cool to get to drink it on tap too, these guys just keep delivering, and this is what they do, mature wild beer with fun ingredients, in this case really heavy handed spicy natural ginger, a unique element, especially in the absence of some of the things its always paired with, honey, citrus, coriander, whatever, its great to just have it on its own, and this beer is really pungent and flavorful for being so low alcohol. this is super light in color, almost looks like white wine in shade, but of course has a frothing white head on it, sparkling, nice looking beer. the nose is intense right away, an absolute ton of natural ginger, stone fruit nuance from the barrels too, white wine character also abounds, hints of lemongrass and even mint, very botanical. the sourness is tempered, the maturity is radiant, and the funk factor is high, the spicy ginger and the brett together are amazing. this is oddly almost crisp in texture for what it is, unexpectedly light, dry, and brisk. carbonation is effervescent and that suits this ginger well, gives is tons of life, and this beer is at once earthy and bold, but light and clean too, just so dynamic. probably both the most intense ginger profile i can recall in a beer, and also the most natural expression of it. the beat goes on for de garde, this is amazing, and i love the low alcohol!

Thanks, Chris.

The nose is a wonderful blend of citrus and ginger with an earthy funk to temper all that brightness. Lighter funk than the typical 2+ year old de Garde funk, there's grapefruit, lemon and earth. The palate is clean, bright, with more of a clean lactic acid/yogurt blend than seen recently from de Garde. Ginger is present with a blend of brightness and body, lending some oil to make this 3.5% beer feel bigger. Fantastic stuff.