The Filthiest

The Filthiest (Microbially) Barrel In the Brewery

While most of our Blending Club members are aware of the barrel sponsorship program we operate, some may not be, so I'll set up the backstory a bit for those not aware. We maintain a sponsorship program for our barrels that allows people (for a one-time sponsorship fee) to sponsor an individual barrel in our cellar. The barrels have a plaque with the sponsor's name, and the sponsors receive an engraved card. Every time the barrel is used in a blend, the sponsor receives 4 bottles from that blend, in perpetuity. In 2021, I received an enquiry from a sponsor named JP that was unique. Usually people are interested in barrels that turn quickly, or a specific flavour profile. The question from JP was "what is the dirtiest barrel you have?" I smiled wide and responded immediately: "#47." The reason consultation of our complex cellar data spreadsheets wasn't needed, is because #47 is the barrel we refer to as the spittoon. We have swirled and dumped the dregs of hundreds of wild beers into that barrel. The ensuing gladiator death match of microbes has been fighting it out for years now, and the result is this lovely beverage. Complex and "old world" in profile, we are fans of the result of this display of natural selection. Enjoy!