My latest article in print is out today in the Bend Bulletin, in which I write about Pyka, the blackberry and apricot Berliner weisse from brewer Bryon Pyka. Pyka started out as a homebrewer who became accomplished at brewing sour ales at home, which helped get him the job at 10 Barrel Brewing. A font of delicate, fruity flavors:

The end result is a delicately fruity sour ale that’s rose-pink with a tinge of lavender in color. The aroma bears the lemony, tart lactic character typical of a Berliner weisse, with a bright fruit note reminiscent of berries and raspberry tea.

The flavor is puckeringly tart with a bright, abundant fruit presence. To my taste, it has a jammy quality of slightly under-ripe berries, with subtle stone fruit sweetness and an herbal tea quality that reveals a bit of astringency. It’s light-bodied and finishes clean and refreshing without overpowering with acidity.

I dig into the process and what went into the beer, and Pyka’s role at 10 Barrel. Go check it out.