Last summer we hosted Nat from Brouwer’s to taste through barrels and brainstorm concepts for this collab. Thinking ahead to a beer we would want to drink in springtime to celebrate this occasion, we landed on the classic combination of strawberry and rhubarb. As little time was left in the summer season, we were able to freeze the fruit so it would be ready to use in winter, targeting a springtime release just in time for the anniversary.

We added deep red-flesh Puget Reliance and Seascape strawberries from Sidhu Farms along with rhubarb to a blend of puncheon-aged saison to make Julien come to life. The rhubarb plays an important role in accentuating the fruit character, bringing the intense scope of bright strawberry aromas and flavors to the forefront. Enticing notes of watermelon rinds and honeysuckle appear on the first sip, with electric tones of tart hard candy coming through mid palate. The finish is dry, making for an extremely drinkable experience.

We are excited for you to taste this one, and humbled to work with such an influential presence in the Seattle beer community.