Mauerläufer - Black Currant Saison

The Mauerläufer (wallcreeper) is a small gray bird that climbs vertical rock faces as if it were nothing. When it opens its wings, a bright carmine red flashes. It lives in the rocks of the Alps, including our Karawanken.

We brewed it with Terra Cervisiae, the house brewery of the Kirchengast family orchard in Schützing near Riegersburg. The name was obvious. The Mauerläufer lives on rock, just as Riegersburg Castle sits on its volcanic rock. And the beer shows its carmine red when it flows into the glass.

The Style

The Saison comes from the farms of Wallonia. It should refresh and not be heavy. The yeast gives it its character, it ferments far, makes the beer dry and adds a light, peppery spice. In the Mauerläufer, organic black currants from southeastern Styria go in during the main fermentation, harvested in July. What remains is acidity, dark berry fruit and a fine tartness from the skins. The hop Barbe Rouge from Alsace itself smells of cherry and red berries.

In the Glass

Deep ruby red with a violet tinge, naturally hazy, pale pink head. Black currant, cassis and the slightly herbal note of freshly picked currants on the nose, with cherry and peppery yeast spice behind. On the palate first the acidity, fresh, but not sour like a sour beer. Dry in the finish, the berry fruit lingers. For people who want fruit but no sweetness.

Serving

At 7 to 9 °C in a tulip glass. Served too cold, the currant loses depth. With duck breast or a Brettljause with pumpkin seed oil spread.