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blackcurrants? Where does the fascination lie? Perhaps it all began when I was a mere whippersnapper begging my mum for a carton of Ribena when being dragged around Woolies.

Thankfully, my ma stood firm and my milk teeth were saved from the purply sugary concoction. But the intrigue persisted and when working in bars. Crème de Cassis and Kir Royal cocktails reignited my fandom of the flavour. Then, at the ripe old age of twenty-five I had my first taste of Ribena, bought myself a home-brew kit with a couple of mates and, well, the rest is history.* Treat Yo Self! celebrates fructose in blackcurrant form with 120g/L of fresh Blairgowrie blackcurrant puree added to the beer towards the end of fermentation.

Rest assured, the puree is 100% blackcurrant fruit, with no additives, added sugars or flavourings. The carbonation is high— think fruit lambic territory. And the final gravity is low (1.006). This allows for a very dry finish. Hedgerow English hops Pilgrim and Endeavour build up a brambly background beneath a persistent pink head. A bright, zingy acidity puckers the lips (the beer sits just above 3 on the pH scale), but the creamy edge of the blackcurrants smooths out the sour sensation. Petits Filous and bramble tart memories are fondly brought to mind.

6.6% / 330ml Less