Today is the birthday of Bret LeBleu, the namesake of Ithaca Beer's wonderful LeBleu (blueberry sour). I had one from the E21 batch a couple months ago, and while it was most excellent, I get the sense that it's just past its prime. So get them chilled, people, and toast Bret LeBleu: an excellent double bass player, warm spirit, and inspiration behind one of Ithaca's most beloved beers.
What a tease. I thought this was going to be one of those spur of the moment beer releases. While on the topic, is LeBleu and Brute officially off of Ithaca's play book since Jeff's departure?
hoping for another release of this classic...last time I threw a party my last two bottles walked away (insert sad plinko music)
Never to be brewed again is what I was told but that a batch of lebleu was sitting in barrels but that was at the debacle release last year. * Something about the new brewers not being able to replicate what Cheif put out.** *Some young woman who was sent to the wolves stated this after she yelled that lebleu was gone but they have plenty of 14. ** I don't remember who said this.
The grapevine told me that there was a possible end of year release schedule that will be a blend of the previous batches...but the beer will be ready when it is ready, so who the hell knows. Given on on smoooooooothly things have gone at Ithaca since Chief left, I am sure that it will happen and go off without any issues. In the meantime, Chief is supposed to be releasing sours later this year
I've seen the barrels, they are there. Apparently the next batch will be a blend of 1, 2 and 3 year old Le Bleu.
I'm so sorry, people! I really had no idea that I would be teasing everyone into thinking more Lebleu was coming. But yeah, I heard there's another batch. A consolation prize: I was told today that the batch of Old Habit that came out a few weeks ago was Chief's creation. So surprise, surprise: one last Jeff O'Neil Ithaca creation is sitting at Ithaca Beer. About 10 or so cases left.
Depending on where you are in Pennsylvania, you may be able to get Chief's sours... with a trip to Peekskill. The Simple Sour is great, and I'm guessing that once they've established their new lineup of brews that they'll be making other sours as well.
Simple Sour and a bunch of their other beers have been making appearances in NYC lately...I've enjoyed SS and the 2 IPA's I've had from them a lot. Looking forward to more great beers/sours.
