Sudwerk’s seasonal lager inspired by farmers market

DAVIS, Calif. — Inspired by Davis’ world-class farmers market, Sudwerk Brewing Co. created its first summer seasonal – a lager featuring local citrus with a tart, refreshing twist.

Farmers Market Citrus Gose Lager balances the slightly salty and sour flavor of a gose (pronounced “goes-ah”), with the light, citrus tang of Yolo County oranges. The beer is the culmination of several prototypes that delighted patrons this spring at the Davis Farmers Market and at the brewery’s taproom.

The beer features navel oranges fresh from market vendor Rainwater Oranges in nearby Winters. The label dedicates the beer “to all the hard working farmers and passionate people who bring Farmers Markets to life and communities together. Best enjoyed amongst friends and family at your local Farmers Market.”

Gose is an ancient German beer brewed with at least 50 percent malted wheat. Besides the citrus zest, Sudwerk’s Farmers Market Lager features two-row pale malts and wheat malts, creating a bright golden color, 6% ABV and light, crisp body. Mosaic and Sorachi Ace hops lend the 15 IBU (bitterness) rating and a fruity, lemony hop profile.

Sudwerk brewers were looking to add a summer seasonal to its six-pack lineup. It had three rotating seasonals: the Fest Harvest Lager for fall, Doppel Bock Ultimator for winter and Mai Bock Spring Lager. The Farmers Market Citrus Gose Lager rounds out the cycle for summer. Its core roster, available year-round, includes California Dry Hop Lager, Märzen Amber Lager, Northern Pilsner and Hefeweizen Bavarian Wheat.

“Refreshing citrus wheat lagers are great for summertime,” Sudwerk co-owner Ryan Fry said. “It’s our most unique seasonal to date. People are loving it.”

Fry, a Davis native, said the idea for a farmers market-inspired lager has been brewing for a while. Sudwerk is the only beer served at the Davis market (as a fundraiser for Soroptimist International of Davis). And, it’s a weekly tradition for the brewery’s family and friends to meet there for dinner on Wednesday nights, when its taproom is closed.

“It’s like Sunday supper – only on Wednesdays,” Fry said. “If you’re not there, you’d better have a good excuse.”

Events: Lauren McNees and Lee Millon of Rainwater Oranges will help celebrate the beer’s launch from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 29, at The Dock, 2001 Second St., in Davis. Just like farmers market produce, the beer will be served super fresh – just hours after it is kegged. Come see the brewery’s recently expanded taproom, with more picnic tables and games.

The following week, Soroptimist International of Davis members will serve the Citrus Gose from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, at the Davis Farmers Market, Fourth and C streets.

Availability: Watch for six packs of Farmers Market Citrus Gose Lager at retailers throughout California starting the week of June 8. Suggested retail price is $10.99 per six pack of 12-ounce bottles. Kegs are $165 for 15.5 gallons, and $82 for 5.17 gallons.

About Sudwerk: Building on 25 years of family legacy and brewing tradition, Sudwerk Brewing Co. specializes in artisanal craft brews, specifically West Coast craft lagers. Its taproom, The Dock Store, at 2001 Second St., Davis, Calif., is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 to 8 p.m. on weekends. It offers a rotating menu of experimental and innovative beers, “honest pints” and growler fills, fresh White Labs brewers’ yeast, and good conversation. Learn more at http://sudwerkbrew.com.

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