Ambrosia: Amaro is the first cuvee in a series of beers taking inspiration from the herbs, fruits and spices used in apéritifs and digestifs. This Amaro version was blended from bases aged with pressed Pinot Noir skins, refermented with whole destemmed Morello cherries and brewed with gentian and wormwood. The production notes on this one could fill a booklet but for us it is quite unique in the various methods used, including double-fruiting and the blending of disparate base beers together.

While this is not the first time we have dipped our toes into the world of spirits, it is the first time we have shared these flavours outside the Collective.

At opening, we get aromas of savoury cherry, raspberry and watermelon lifted by a WF skinsy punch. Dark robust spice harmonised with a minty herbal note. A wild palate, sweet red fruits, strawberry and raspberry with savoury cherry complexity. Frankincense and woody spices lead to a back palate that shines with its herb derived bitterness and flavour. Orange citrus pith, ginger and aniseed meld with the most delectable drying bitterness. There’s layers and a level of complexity here that will reward those who can drink this over hours. It’s beautiful.

Another quite small release with limited sales outside the brewery.