Beer #136 - W/C 2 October 2017
BREWERY // "Innovation, Passion, Knowledge"
Thornbridge Brewery is an example of wealthy backers working with skilled brewers to great effect. In 2004 Simon Webster and Jim Harrison decided to set up a brewery in the converted workshop of Harrison's house, Thornbridge Hall. Ever since then, the Thornbridge brewers have continued to release innovative, brilliant beers which have garnered them 100's of awards over that past decade. The brewery is located in one of the most scenic areas of Britain with a fantastic brewery shop and they also do tours every week. Be sure to pay them a visit next time you're in Derbyshire!
BEER // Valravn is an imperial version of Thornbridge's Wild Raven, a Black IPA that was twice voted World's Best IPA. Black IPAs is a broad style which ranges from hoppy porters at one end to black coloured IPA on the other. We reckon Valravn falls perfectly in-between. The New Zealand & American hops make for a lot of resinous pine and grapefruit flavours. Medium toffee sweetness with notes of liquorice, espresso and cocoa from the dark malts. It's a big, oily and extremely smooth beer with a lot going on but all of the pieces fall nicely together.
Check out the video Thornbridge Head Brewer, Rob Lovatt, made for us below.
BREWERY // Thornbridge
BEER // Valravn
STYLE // Imperial Black IPA
ORIGIN // Bakewell, Derbyshire
ABV // 8.8%
TEMPERATURE // Cool. 8-10C.
FOOD MATCH // Sharp Cheddar. Fatty Steak. Burritos w. Mole Sauce. Carrot Cake
GLASS // IPA Glass
Thornbridge. Valravn from Beer Jerk on Vimeo.