Bere (pronounced like bear) is believed to be the oldest commercially grown variety of brewing barley in the world, having been cultivated for at least 5,000 years in the cold reaches of the Orkney Islands. We sourced it for this special Hanabi brew from the Palouse Heritage Grain farm in Washington State. The flavor of Bere reveals its origins as a semi-wild cereal grain with small, intensely flavored berries. We brewed an aromatic Helles-style lager with it, to showcase the delicious and unique character of the grains. Bere brings a substantial, round midpalate, and a balancing richness to this light and refreshing style of beer, along with a crisp, mineral finish. The aromatics are yellow-fruited and distinct; fresh sweet corn and cereal, vibrant, and lightly herbal, with subtle earthy elements reminiscent of conifer forest.
