Since the B.C. Beer Awards were last Saturday, this week I thought I’d highlight one of the gold medal-winning beers. (Check out the full list of winners here.)
Little Red One is a lambic-style sour ale with black currants from East Vancouver’s Strange Fellows Brewing. It won gold in the European Sour category, and deservedly so.
Tart and balanced thanks to years (yes, years) spent aging in barrels, the black currants add a fruity, earthy character to this Belgian-style sour. Imagine a Kir Royale, but with more oak, and you’re getting close.
Little Red One was released last year, but if you haven’t had a chance to try it, you’re likely not alone. The beer was part of Strange Fellows’ Fellowship program, which offers members exclusive access to quarterly barrel-aged and vintage beer releases, as well as tasting room discounts, a T-shirt and some other nifty perks. As a result, Little Red One has been nearly impossible to get.
Which is a damn shame, because it’s damn good.
However, if you want to try Little Red One, you’re in luck. On Nov. 2, Strange Fellows will be launching the third edition of their fellowship with a party at the brewery from 7 to 9 p.m., and you’re invited (tell them Rob from the Growler sent you!). Strange Fellows will be serving up tasting flights of all four of the previous 2017 Fellowship releases including Little Red One, as well as Berlinergeist, Kriek and Melange à Trois. You’ll also be able to sign up for Fellowship III and sample the first release, Aprikose, an American-style wild ale with apricots.
For more information, check Strange Fellows’ website.
Little Red One by Strange Fellows Brewing (6.0 per cent ABV)
Appearance: Deep crimson red with fluffy, pink, quickly-dissipating head.
Aroma: Acidic, black currant, cherry, fruit, oak, mild funk.
Flavour: Black currant, sour cherry, moderate acidity, oak, dried fruit, tannic softness, mild earthy funk, touch of spice.
Finish: Medium bodied with a tart acidic finish.
Pairs with: Chicken liver pâté, goat cheese and gold medals.
