Wettre Fønix Bierbrand

Wettre Fønix Bierbrand, 3 YO, 42%

Today I have the pleasure of reviewing a local product, the Fønix Bierbrand produced at Wettre Bryggeri literally just down the road from where I live. Now what is a “bierbrand” you might (indeed should) ask. Well, a bierbrand is a spirit distilled from finished beer, usually retaining some of the beer’s malt and hop character in a clear, spirit form. In certain European countries (e.g. Germany / Austria), it’s a legally defined category of spirit made exclusively from distilled beer without added flavorings.

This is a type of spirit that is well suited for cocktails, and I have tested this - with success I might add. My favourite was the Hop-City Old Fashioned (standard old fashioned but use bierbrand as the spirit). I found it brings out greener hoppy notes, as well as milk chocolate notes. I also got a distinct peanut butter and chocolate note with time; think Snickers chocolate bar. I liked it!

I also have to mention that this literally is a product of the Covid pandemic (remember that one?). Finally a positive outcome from that horrible experience!

The Wettre Fønix Bierbrand is available to buy in Norway at NOK 695 (20039002).

Nose: Warm, fruity and rich. Herbal and distinctly green at first, followed by creamy vanilla and deep sweetness from raisins and assorted dried fruits. Fresh red berries appear with time, alongside dark chocolate and layered green herbs. A mentholated, almost hop-like note adds complexity.

Taste: Medium bodied and robustly spiced. White pepper leads, supported by black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and licorice. Dry-leaning, with dark chocolate, cold-brewed coffee and a streak of red berry jam.

Finish: Medium to short. Chocolate and red berries persist, tapering into a distinctly green finale with menthol and fresh herbs.

Comment: Dark, green and intriguingly spiced. 

Score 83/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas