Russian River Brewing x Silver Oak
“Pomace” is the solid matter that remains after fruit has been pressed for its juice. It’s most often seen as a byproduct of olive oil, wine or cider, and used to make grappa or pomace brandy. Always an afterthought of winemaking, pomace has become an exciting alternative for creative brewers and vintners to explore second use fruit in recent years. Hence the genesis of our grape pomace beer collaboration with Sonoma’s legendary Russian River Brewing Company.
While beer has been co-fermented with wine grapes as far back as the 1970s, the current craft beer boom shows several influences derived from winemaking. Barrel-aged beers, Belgian ales blended with Cabernet Franc mash or Sauvignon Blanc added to gose ales are but a few examples. This combination of grapes and wine yeast lends both vinous character and fresh acidity to finished beer.
About the Beer
As it turns out, mostly dry, pressed grapes have a lot of life left in them. Vinnie Cilurzo, owner of Russian River Brewing Company, took a beer aged in Silver Oak barrels—he calls it “Orphan Beer”—and further aged it with leftover Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon grape pomace in a small stainless steel tank. The resulting non-carbonated beer is “one of my favorite barrel-aged beers I’ve ever made,” Vinnie says. “It truly blurs the line between what is wine and what is beer!”
Silver Oak and Russian River Brewing Company
The relationship between Silver Oak and Russian River Brewing Company goes far beyond the wine and beer both companies make. Natalie Cilurzo, co-owner of Russian River Brewing Company, formerly worked in the Silver Oak tasting room starting in 1997, and Vinnie Cilurzo would pitch in on Release Days in Alexander Valley. Since 2008, Russian River Brewing Company has used Silver Oak barrels to age their barrel-aged sour dark ale, Consecration. French oak barrels from Twomey have also been used for the Supplication bottling. In a new twist on the relationship between these companies, Russian River Brewing Company has made a Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Pomace Beer.
One Night Only
In the tradition of Pliny the Younger, this limited-release beer is available for one night only at our Silver Oak 50th Anniversary Pre-Party on Friday, August 5, 2022, at The Charter Oak in St. Helena—home of Michelin 3-star chef Christopher Kostow. Limited tickets available.
To continue the celebration, explore all things 50th anniversary.