Alvinne Borinage

TASTING NOTES

‘Borinage’ is the historical name for a region of Belgium in the Hainaut province, in the south west of the country.  It extends from the town of Mons to the French border, and was the coal mining region in the 1800’s.

With this collaborative beer, Alvinne and their colleagues from Cervesa Guineu in Spain pay tribute to the miners of this region which is held to be the birthplace of the almost forgotten – but currently trending – beer style of Grisette.

It was intended to be a refreshing beer for the miners, so 25-30% malted wheat and spelt is used, along with Hallertau Magnum hops for bittering and Mount Hood for aroma.  And of course their mixed fermentation Morpheus yeast, which is typical of the yeast at the time.

The result is a straw coloured beer, with a slightly cloudy body.  Crisp grainy malt, a little barnyard funk and a sustained level of hop bitterness.  The Morpheus yeast contributes a tartness as well, and the beer is bone dry with a high carbonation.