Orbit Beers have created another duo of sour beers as part of their limited-edition White Label Series that explores the more experimental side of their brewing.
Both offer a clean, fresh sour base. One has delicate flavours of freshly juiced and zested blood oranges and fresh lemon thyme, the other pickled cucumbers, salt, and fresh dill. They are both 4.4% ABV.
Both beers began with the same base, containing wheat malt, lager malt, Pilgrim hops, and Lallemand WildBrew Helveticus, before taking two very different directions.
A bright, refreshing take on a traditional sour, the Dill Pickle Gose balances gentle acidity with a moreish salinity. Brewed with salt, fresh dill, and in-house pickled cucumbers that were lacto-fermented with vine leaves, black pepper, coriander seeds, and fresh dill, its rich and aromatic, with gentle aromas of chardonnay and fresh dill sprigs.
On the palate, the beer develops a lightly brined character, reminiscent of artisanal pickles. This is complemented by green, garden-like freshness from the dill. Rich, crisp, and tart, it has a lingering savoury finish.
The Blood Orange and Lemon Thyme Sour showcases a complexity of seasonal flavours. Pouring soft and hazy, with a blush of orange, it opens with gentle citrus peel aromas and herbal top notes from the lemon thyme. On the palate, it’s clean and soft with a balanced tartness upfront, followed by fresh, juicy blood oranges with undertones of cranberry. The lemon thyme weaves in delicately, adding a subtle herbal lift and a dry, almost floral finish.
The beers will be officially launched at the Orbit Beers taproom on 9th April. There will be dishes to pair with the new beers from Dragon Flame BBQ, plus a tour of the brewery at 4pm and an opportunity to chat with the brew team. Visitors will be able to try the new sours on tap and in take-away bottles, and to try alongside Tzatziki Sour in tasting flights.
