pFriem Family Brewers Head Brewer Gavin Lord Talks Estate Kriek

We spoke with pFriem Family Brewers Head Brewer Gavin Lord about Estate Kriek.

Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
The pFriem team!

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
Carmine Jewel cherries are very small, dark and tart. To my palate, they’re almost too intense to be appreciated on their own, but I love what they lend to the beer. They kick up so much cherry pie and warming spice.

Where does this beer’s name come from?
In 2016 we planted 40 Carmine Jewel cherry trees in a friend’s orchard 5 miles from the brewery. Estate Kriek utilizes the first harvest from those trees.

Is this your “desert island beer?”
This may be my desert island dessert beer.

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Cherry pie, graham cracker, deep, crimson, lovely.

Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
This beer represents the first harvest from trees we planted in 2016. Carmine Jewel is a dwarf variety and this first harvest totaled out at 27.5lbs. We committed all of the fruit to just one prized barrel, and Estate Kriek is the result.

What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Funky-rich cheeses, charcuterie and chocolate ganache.

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