At Town Hall Brewery, mixed culture beers are not rushed. They are nurtured. Coaxed along. Given time to evolve. And when Minnesota fruit gets involved, especially something as unique as the MN Native Juliet cherry, you know it is going to be something special.
Minnesota Grown. Brewer Selected. Patiently Aged.
Developed by the University of Saskatchewan for cold northern climates and grown far up in Minnesota, the Dwarf Juliet Cherry is not your typical fruit addition. These dark red sour cherries bring depth, structure, and true regional character. Hand picked by a THB brewer, fed through their traditional Belgian style turbid mash, and aged patiently in barrel, this 6.5% mixed culture release is the kind of beer that reminds you why patience matters.
In the Glass
Brilliant jam berry red with a hint of purple glows in the glass. A finger of tight white bubbles forms up top before slowly settling. It looks alive. Vibrant. Inviting.
The aroma is layered and expressive. Sweet and sour cherry leads the way, followed by darker cherry tones and a sharp pop of raspberry. It is fruit forward without being sugary. Bright without being thin.
On the Palate
This is sour beer done right.
Fresh berry character hits first, bright and beautiful. Mid sip, it turns jammy with concentrated cherry depth that coats the tongue. Then the wild side creeps in. Funky mixed culture notes mingle with subtle oak barrel tannins, adding dryness and structure that keeps everything in balance.
There is no harsh acidity. No one dimensional fruit bomb. Just complexity. Intentionality. Harmony.
Final Thoughts
Without question, this is the best mixed culture beer in the state right now. The use of MN Native Juliet cherries brings a distinctly local character that you simply will not find elsewhere. It took time. It took creativity. It took a willingness to let nature do its thing.
And the result is something truly fantastic.
If you appreciate thoughtfully crafted sour beer, this is one you need to seek out while it is available.