“It definitely tastes like something from our brewery,” says Peter Burbridge of North Brewing Company’s (2576 Agricola Street) latest experiment— a collaboration with Avondale Sky Winery and his friend, Avondale’s winemaker, Ben Swetnam. “It’s always been something I’ve had in the back of my mind,” says Burbridge of the partnership. “And Ben had some extra grape must.”
The new brew blends pilsner and wheat malts with 200 litres of L’Acadie Blanc, balancing out the acidity with some Cosman’s honey, to arrive at the Saison de L’Acadie. “Only 15 percent of the volume is grape juice,” he says. “But the wine character is sort of the star of the beer.” Taste it for yourself starting this Friday at the brewery, or get a preview pint tonight at Stillwell (1672 Barrington Street).