Some people insist that there is no such thing as ‘terroir’ in beer. They say it’s impossible to get a sense of time and place when you taste a brew.

To those people, I say, ‘Try a sip of The Open Work Cab Franc, and prepare to eat your words!’

The crew at Grimm captured the essence of Long Island’s North Fork wine country with this brew. They started with whole clusters of Cab Franc grapes from Michelangelo Vineyards in the tiny hamlet of Cutchogue. After allowing the fruit to begin a spontaneous fermentation, they added them to a blend of 1-2-year-old Wild Ales and let them co-ferment to blend the flavors naturally.

In November of 2021, they bottled this ruby-hued beauty, and it’s been maturing in glass ever since!

Wild Ale aficionados and fans of natural wine will be equally enthralled by this stunningly complex brew. It begins tangy and tart, with gentle hints of leather and mild grassy funk. Vinous notes of red fruit appear on the palate, with nuances of plum, berry, and grape — all the flavors of a sunny day in the vineyards!

If you’re already a fan of the style, you know that Wild Ales can have pronounced terroir truly reflecting a specific place and time. But if you need proof, here it is.

The brewers say this beer ‘marries the best elements of beer and natural wine.’ We couldn’t agree more!

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Grimm Artisanal Ales is certified independent by the Brewers Association