FORT COLLINS, CO. — On October 24, 2011, Odell Brewing will celebrate the return of Friek, its Framboise/Kriek inspired sour ale and the Gold Medal winner for Wood and Barrel Aged Sour Beers at this year’s Great American Beer Festival┬«.
“I think this beer best represents our collaborative culture,” said Brendan McGivney, head of production at Odell Brewing. “I cannot think of a beer that had as many hands involved in the process as this one from raspberry picking and cherry squishing to yeast and bug propagation, barrel handling, and 750 ml bottling.”
Friek, an adaptation of a Lambic style ale, is aged in oak barrels with cherries grown on Colorado’s western slope and blended with raspberries hand-picked in Fort Collins, CO. The beer blends a slight cherry tartness with a fresh raspberry finish for a delightfully crisp and bright flavor. Wild yeasts, lactobacillus, and pediococcus create a sour element that enhances the fruit and evolves over time.
Bottled in 750 ml cork and cage finished Champagne style bottles, Friek will be available in limited quantities throughout the brewery’s ten state distribution region.
Odell Brewing will celebrate the return of the beer and its recent medal with a “FRIEK OUT” bash in the brewery’s tap room on October 29th. Guests are encouraged to don their Friekiest and enjoy samples of the beer, local food, and live music.