There are plenty of solid craft breweries out there today that are doing it right and creating some truly delicious craft beers for all of us to enjoy.  Of course some are doing it a little better than others, releasing beer after beer that gets people talking and, of course, drinking.  One of those breweries is Black Raven Brewing Company in Redmond, WA (CBM Sponsor).

Each year, Black Raven has several releases that get people talking and even lining up, eager to get their hands on a few precious bottles or perhaps a growler fill (for those beers where growler fills are available).  Just a few that come to mind include: Bourbon Barrel La Petite Mort, Grandfather Raven Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout, Gunpowder Plot Nitro Porter, Second Sight Strong Scotch Ale and Wisdom Seeker, Black Raven’s wildly popular Double IPA, just to name a few.

Now, making its return for 2015, is Raven de Garde – a strong pale ale fermented with brettanomyces yeast and then dry-hopped to enhance the hop aroma and character.  Raven de Garde may not generate the amount of buzz that some other Black Raven beers do but I appreciate it for its complexity and uniqueness.  With Brett yeast and an assertive hop character, as well as the citrus, tropical and earthy notes you’ll find, Raven de Garde is a real treat for those who appreciate farmhouse style ales and the distinct, hay/barnyard flavors they can impart.

Here is a bit more information about this beer from Black Raven Brewing Company:

This Northern France/Belgian inspired strong pale hybrid has gone through many months of secondary fermentation with the “wild” yeast strain brettanomyces lambicus. We then dry hopped this ale in order to meld bright fresh hop aroma and accent the aged wild yeast character. Pear and citrus hops play with tropical fruit, smooth earth, and light hay flavors from the wild yeast.

Available on tap and in limited release bottles:

375ml bottle ($6.99)

750ml bottle ($13.99)

Sorry, no growler fills.

I’m a big fan of beers that use Brettanomyces myself, so I’m looking forward to Raven de Garde’s arrival.  I’ll have to drop by Black Raven Brewing this coming Saturday to enjoy some on tap and pick up a few bottles to go.  As noted above, it will be available in 375ml and 750ml bottles.  I’ll see you at The Raven’s Nest.

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.