pFriem Family Brewers R&D Brewer and Lead Blender Kyle Krause Talks La Baie Sauvage

We spoke with pFriem Family Brewers R&D Brewer and Lead Blender Kyle Krause about La Baie Sauvage.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
This beer was a collective effort from the brewery management team.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
The huckleberries are the show-stealer in this bottle. They imbue the beer with a soft rose hue and a unique floral aroma that is reminiscent of jasmine and table grapes.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
La Baie Sauvage roughly translates to "wild berry" in French. 

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
No, but it might be my "desert island fruited mixed-culture Lambic-inspired ale."  

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Jasmine flowers and berry jam with a splash of hibiscus lemonade.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
Because huckleberries prefer hot, dry climates, high in elevation and with limited direct sun, they are very difficult to cultivate commercially. Our crop in the Pacific Northwest is entirely harvested by hand with our berries specifically coming from the Gifford Pinchot Forest. Because of their scarcity, the price and availability of these berries can vary wildly each season. It makes it tough to plan for a decent-sized batch of beer, but that's part of what makes it so special. 

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Wild game, Mexican mole and chocolate-based desserts.

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