2020 Duvée
Hermit Thrush Brewery

Canned 10/4/20. “Amber blend” stamped on the side of the can

I didn’t think the 2020 Cuvée was all that impressive, but maybe changing one letter will help this one. I’d almost guarantee it seeing how the beer itself is very different from its similarly named cousin as an Oud Bruin. I visited TØRST for the first time this summer and it was a great place so it’s cool to see them on this collab. Let’s crack it open and see what it’s all about

Pours a murky medium brown with 3 fingers of creamy light tan head that fades to a thin ring and leaves minimal lacing

The nose is sharp and funky but nicely balanced. I’m picking up on aromas of red wine vinegar, brown sugar, wet hay, dry oak, dark toast, old leather, cherry gummy, toasted almond, and light vanilla

The bright acidity keeps up in taste and I’m all about it. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting red wine vinegar, black cherry, toasted almond, toffee, dark bread, dry oak, lemon zest, brown sugar, walnut, and fig. The swallow brings notes of tart cherry juice, dark bread, dry oak, brown sugar, wet hay, red wine vinegar, stone, old leather, lemon zest, and toffee

A medium body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a sharp beer. Finishes bone dry and refreshing

Oh man, this is easily one of the best beers I’ve had from Hermit Thrush. It’s the kind of beer that makes me really sad they closed