Manchester-based Balance Brewing & Blending has announced a bumper quadruple release, including its first ever barrel-aged ciders.
The two Islay whisky barrel-aged ciders
Balance are the only brewery in Manchester specialising in the production of barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation beers.
Inspired by the traditions of Belgium and the UK, they put their own stamp on their beers by using the best seasonal British ingredients they can find, and incorporating foraging, collaboration, and experimentation.
The new releases (with brewery notes)
Saison de Maison — Blend 8 (6.2% ABV)
A blend of barrel-aged beer fermented with saison yeast, lactobacillus and brettanomyces. Dry-hopped with First Gold and Bramling Cross grown in Kent. First Gold has really brought a lot of peach and orange character, alongside the more blackcurrant, herbal notes of Bramling Cross. There’s bags of tart, juicy pineapple, and earthy funk to boot. Soft plum and tannins bring a mellow, refreshing finish.
Bramble 2023 — Blackberry Wild Ale (6%)
A blend of three barrels filled in 2022, fermented with saison yeast, lactobacillus, and brettanomyces, before ageing for six months on carbonically macerated British blackberries. This blend shows bright acidity and tart hedgerow fruit notes. The blackberries meld with the beer to create something akin to a light red wine. Rounded, tannic structure complements the underlying funk and minerality, leaving a long, fruity finish.
Yarlington Mill — Islay barrel-aged cider (8.4% ABV)
This cider was spontaneously fermented with yeast from the apple skins and aged for three months in an Islay whisky cask before bottling with Champagne yeast. Intense peat smoke and heady calvados aromas lead into bone-dry funk. Refreshing, crisp acidity, notes of straw, vanilla, and marmalade all have their moment before a dry finish with moreish, woody tannins.
Chisel Jersey — Islay barrel-aged Cider (8.4% ABV)
Spontaneously fermented per the Yarlington Mill. Floral and juicy on the nose, the peat smoke melds into the vanilla and apricot notes of chisel jersey. A flood of pineapple hits before the tannic, woody dryness envelopes the palate. Lingering peat smoke and warming whisky transports you to a cosy, crackling fireside.
