Last minute notice on this one, so we’ve shifted the tasting schedule! Alan Shapiro, owner of SBS Imports, will be in our fair mountain city TOMORROW for a sampling of Dirk Naudts’ (“The Prof”) De Proef beers. It’s a four-beer line-up of some of the collaborations between De Proef and American brewers, including Van Twee with Bell’s Brewery, which isn’t even on the market yet! (That one is “while supplies last,” so come early.) All of these beer are on the funky side, using brettanomyces for a refreshing, sour taste on the palate.

De Proef Zoetzuur
“From the Flemish translation for ‘sweet-sour.’ This is a unique amber colored ale of multi-yeast strain fermentation, with a hint of Belgian Kriek (cherry) juice added. The brewer has combined these elements in a subtle and complex blend where sour notes are balanced by tart fruit, hints of wood, and a velvety finish.” [7.0% abv]

De Proef Van Twee
Collaboration between Dirk Naudts and John Mallett of Bell’s Brewery in Michigan, this is a Belgian ale brewed with cherry juice from Michigan sour cherries and using native Michigan beets for the bottle-conditioning sugar. Described as a hybrid Porter and abbey Dubbel. [7.5% abv]

De Proef Signature
“A unique collaboration with noted San Diego brewer Tomme Arthur [of Lost Abbey/Port Brewing]. A complex hybrid of aggressively hopped west coast IPA, combined with traditional Belgian brettanomyces fermentation. Strong citrus hop notes followed by hints of sourness and delicate spice and a long finish.”[8.5% abv]

De Proef Les Deux Brasseurs
“The second beer in the Brewmaster’s Collaboration Series created with Jason Perkins of Allagash Brewing in Maine. LDB is fermented with two strains of brettanomyces – on from each brewery. A bright golden ale with a full rocky head. A complex array of aromas and flavors including apricot, peach, pineapple, barnyard/sour notes from the brett, graham craker, herbal and spicy hop notes.”

And we’ll give you hint that the next collaboration is going to be with an American brewer must closer to home: Spike from Terrapin Brewery in Athens, Georgia! Ok, so that wasn’t a hint. Oh, well! See you tomorrow.

[Image: Beernews.org]