Handgeplukt Kriek: A Taste of History in Every Sip

AleSmith NewsBusiness · December 17, 2024 Handgeplukt Kriek: A Taste of History in Every Sip

Handgeplukt Kriek: A Taste of History in Every Sip

At AleSmith, we believe in brewing beers that tell a story. Our latest creation, Handgeplukt Kriek, is no exception. This beer isn’t just special because of its rich, tart flavor—it’s also a labor of love, a return to ancient brewing traditions, and a tribute to the revival of one of the rarest and most coveted cherries in the world: the Schaerbeek cherry. And the name? Handgeplukt means “hand-picked” in Flemish, a nod to the careful, artisanal process behind this exceptional brew.

A Cherry with a History
The Schaerbeek cherry has been cherished for centuries in the Schaerbeek region of Belgium, known for its deep ruby-red color and distinct tartness. These cherries were handpicked, often carried by donkey cart, and used in the traditional production of kriek lambic beers. This centuries-old tradition continued until the mid-20th century, when the region was devastated by both World Wars and urban expansion. By 1949, commercial production of Schaerbeek cherries had been wiped out.

But the story didn’t end there. While the commercial orchards disappeared, small pockets of Schaerbeek cherries persisted, and passionate brewers began to search for a way to bring them back. Lambic producers like Cantillon and Brouwerij Boon sounded the call to propagate this prized cherry variety, and a movement was born to restore the fruit to its rightful place in brewing.

Reviving a Forgotten Fruit
One of the people who answered that call was Kris Michaelson, who in 2017 started propagating Schaerbeek cherry trees in Belgium. Through years of effort and dedication, he was able to replant the first trees in 2018. By 2021, those trees were yielding enough fruit for commercial use by Belgian breweries.

But the revival of Schaerbeek cherries didn’t stop in Europe. Chad Stevens, a San Diego-based brewer, took it upon himself to bring the cherries to the U.S. After meeting with Kris and collaborating with breweries like Cantillon and Dre Fontaine, Chad was able to secure 200 young Schaerbeek trees and, in 2020, the trees were shipped to San Diego. This was no small feat—it took years of planning, negotiations with the USDA, and meticulous care to ensure that these precious trees made the journey safely.

The Result: Handgeplukt Kriek
Handgeplukt Kriek is the result of years of dedication, passion, and collaboration between brewers, growers, and history. We used 870 pounds of Schaerbeek cherries grown right here in Jamul, ensuring that every bottle carries with it the essence of over 700 years of tradition.

These cherries were handpicked at their peak ripeness, producing a beautifully tart, complex kriek that balances sharp fruitiness with subtle sweetness. This beer is not only a celebration of brewing, but also a tribute to the hard work that went into reviving this rare cherry variety.

Available Now at the Tasting Room & O’Brien’s Pub
You can try Handgeplukt Kriek at our AleSmith Tasting Room, or join us at O’Brien’s Pub as part of their 30th Anniversary celebration! It’s a beer that celebrates history, craft, and the joy of sharing great beer with even greater company.

We hope you enjoy Handgeplukt Kriek as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to life. Cheers to the past, the present, and the future of beer!

More AleSmith News

Media Inquiries

Share:

Original Source Here

Leave a Comment