Market Paloma
Being community-focused, inspired by artisan small-batch products, and with a long history of support for Alesong since day one, Eugene’s own Market of Choice reached out last year to see if we’d be interested in collaborating on a blend just for them. Of course we were thrilled, and although these things take a long time at a barrel-aged brewery, we got right to it! We invited folks from the market to taste through blends and consider what kind of a beer we could make together — a beer that represented our shared values of attention to detail and quality ingredients.
Having recently begun aging beer in a fresh batch of Don Julio extra añejo tequila barrels, we were struck by the idea of a cocktail-inspired blend. After many patient months of aging, the sour blonde ale in those barrels had vibrant aromas of the spirit: earthy, pungent and delicious! The great part about collaboration is that new friends bring new ideas, and together we planned to build a recipe roughly inspired by a paloma, the classic cocktail with tequila, grapefruit, lime and soda.
Picking the ingredients to incorporate, we imagined being in a sunny market, peering through stalls of ripe produce. We added a touch of fresh grapefruit juice plus the zest to hint at the fruit’s delicate citrusy flavor without bringing too much of its bitterness. Then came a similar splash of lime to create more depth and a continuum of citrus aromas.
Moving away from a classic paloma recipe, we finished the blend by steeping in some hibiscus for a kiss of tropical play and a boost to the inviting, rosy hue. The beer offers stand-out notes of quality aged tequila, and compound citrus aromas expanding throughout a sip. With an accent of that fruity hibiscus on the finish, this blend transports you to relaxing afternoons spent in a shaded hammock with a dew-covered cocktail in hand.
Our first time using grapefruit or hibiscus in a blend, it’s thanks to our friends at Market of Choice for pushing us to learn, grow and continue innovating with cocktail-inspired ales! Market Paloma pairs well with fresh corn tortillas incorporated with citrus zest to connect your drink to the rest of the dish, or with a light and creamy dessert like a chilled custard tart — infuse whip cream with a tablespoon of tequila for an experimental fusion on top!
We hope you enjoy Market Paloma as much as we do. You can find this blend at our tasting rooms and of course at your local Market of Choice!
