SPRING 2021 RELEASE

Still in the comfort of winter, where calm, darker days give us opportunity to hunker down, focus inwards, and prepare ourselves for the impending bloom that always comes after, we feel the vibrancy of springtime just a couple more bends down along the trail here.

Our Spring 2021 Edition Lager expresses a rejuvenating feeling; the one that comes with the welcomed, warm kiss of sunshine on a chilled morning. Such is the season, and out here in Napa working among the vines, the scene is common, and yet never seems to grow old. This time of year, there is so much stored energy, so many plans, a sense of poised readiness for the warmer, more favorable conditions ahead, so many seeds readying themselves to push skyward…

This edition of Hanabi Lager is brewed with a variety of barley called Barke, grown in the German states of Saxony and Thuringia. As a springtime barley, it was planted in April, and harvested in August and September. A classic German brewing variety, it brings strong aromatics and power, while at the same time an openness and sense of levity. With this grain, we brewed a Vienna-style Lager, a slightly more malt-forward style than Pilsner, to lean into this barley’s natural strengths.

This approach produces a rich golden-colored lager beer with a light natural turbidity that we prefer to leave intact as a signature of this delicious grain, and a persistent cream-colored fine-grained head. Opening with highly aromatic sweet-straw, spearmint, baking spices, and warm cedar, overtones of fresh spring earth come up, bringing a sense of vitality and vibrancy. With a strong mid-palate and a powerful initial approach, the beer transitions into a very fresh, long finish.    

We look forward to sharing our winemaker’s take on traditional lager brewing with you. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.