Day 19: Sloe It Down

Brewery Name: Brehon Brewhouse
Beer Style: Sloe Gin Sour
ABV: 3.5%
Country: Ireland

Tasting Notes
Dive into the sensory experience of Sloe It Down.

• Appearance: Pours a clear, light golden hue with a delicate white head.
• Aroma: Inviting scents of sloe berries and juniper, reminiscent of a classic sloe gin, complemented by zesty lemon peel.
• Flavour: A harmonious blend of tart sloe berries and botanical juniper, balanced by citrus notes from the lemon peel, delivering a refreshing and mildly sour profile.
• Mouthfeel: Light-bodied with a crisp, effervescent finish that leaves the palate tingling pleasantly.

This beer uniquely captures the essence of a sloe gin and tonic, translating it into a sour beer format that is both refreshing and complex.

About the Brewery: Brehon Brewhouse
Get to know the creators behind Sloe It Down.

• History and Legacy: Founded by dairy farmer Seamus McMahon in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, Brehon Brewhouse operates on a family farm, integrating brewing with rich local heritage.
• Philosophy: Committed to crafting quality beers that reflect the character of their surroundings, using traditional methods and local ingredients.
• Notable Creations: Known for a diverse range of beers, including Shanco Dubh Porter and Crann Beatha Imperial Stout, each echoing the brewery’s dedication to excellence.

The History of Sour Beers
Explore the diverse world of sour beer styles.
• Origins: Sour beers are among the oldest beer styles in the world, originating before the advent of modern brewing techniques. Natural fermentation with wild yeasts and bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Brettanomyces, was commonplace, creating tart and complex flavours.
• Traditional Styles: Classic sour beer styles include Belgian Lambics, Gueuzes, and Flanders Reds, each with distinct regional characteristics and traditional brewing methods.
• Kettle Sours: A modern approach to sour beer, kettle sours are created by introducing Lactobacillus bacteria during the brewing process, resulting in a bright and clean tartness. This method allows for faster production and the addition of fruits or spices.
• Wild and Mixed Fermentation Sours: These beers rely on spontaneous or mixed fermentation, often aged in barrels for months or years. They exhibit complex layers of funk, fruit, and acidity.
• Fruit-Forward Sours: Many sour beers, like Sloe It Down, feature fruit additions that complement the beer’s tart profile. Common choices include berries, stone fruits, and citrus.
• Global Appeal: Sour beers have experienced a resurgence in the craft beer scene, with brewers worldwide experimenting with traditional and innovative souring methods, appealing to a broad range of palates.

Whether you prefer the fruity brightness of a kettle sour, the complexity of a wild ale, or the balanced acidity of a classic Lambic, there’s a sour beer for every taste.

This section highlights the rich history and variety within sour beer styles, offering insight into their timeless appeal.

If You Like This Beer, You Might Also Enjoy…
Expand your horizons within this style.
If Sloe It Down excites your taste buds, you’ll love exploring other beers in this range. Here are a few recommendations:

• Death by Cranberry Fruit Sour by Vocation Brewery – A tantalising sour ale bursting with tart cranberry flavours, offering a vibrant and refreshing experience.
• Beat Generation American Sour by Wide Street Brewing – An American-style sour showcasing a medley of fruity notes and balanced acidity.
• Many Hands Wild Sour by Wide Street Brewing – A complex wild sour ale with layers of funk and fruitiness, appealing to adventurous palates.

Discover these and more to continue your journey through the rich world of sour ales.

Share Your Experience
Love Sloe It Down? Snap a picture and share your thoughts on social media using #TheCruIE and tag us to let us know what you think! We’d love to see how you’re enjoying this Sloe Gin Sour.