Raindrops on Roses

What do you imagine when you think about Rosé? Sitting outside in the springtime or pool parties in the summer? Blooming flowers, soft breezes, and vineyard views? Well, that’s what we think of and these are a few of our favorite things!

We decided to make a rosé-inspired barrel-aged beer because we wanted something refreshing, tasty, and perfect for the summer. A beer that even the thought of would bring about a smile! We wanted something complex and intriguing, but still very drinkable! Being in the Willamette Valley, we decided to make a Rosé of Pinot Noir, given that it’s the Oregon’s most iconic variety.

For Raindrops on Roses, we re-fermented our barrel-aged tart ale base with Pinot Noir grapes from both our neighbors at King Estate Winery and Iris Vineyards.  And to lean into the Rosé-inspiration, we aged half of the beer in contact with the grape skins, which provides that red hue to wine, and fermented the other half in foeders blended with just the pressed juice, leaving no color from the skins. After aging, we blended these two halves together creating a much lighter, strawberry color, rather than dark crimson like Pinot Noir.

The Rosé of Pinot Noir brought out light berry notes like cherries, raspberries and marionberries and some floral character like hibiscus and rose. With a little bit of acidity, this beer is perfect on a warm day or with some cheese and crackers! We’re imagining this beer with mild goat cheese, or paired with strawberries and vanilla whipped cream on angel food cake … why not both!

We’ll have this beer out in August, ready for the late summer heat, and also to help take us back to beautiful Oregon days when the fall rolls around.