If you pay close attention when beer geeks are around, you’ll see their ears perk up a little whenever anyone mentions Mikkeller. 

That’s because the brewery is easily one of the most recognized in Europe and across the globe. They snagged Danish Brewery of the Year their first year running, hold world-class ratings on BeerAdvocate, and have stacks of awards!

Right now, a lot of Mikkeller fans’ ears are standing taller than a German Shepherd’s after catching wind of today’s Catalina Bine Mixer Golden Strong Ale. Mikkeller brewed it with a fruity combination rarely seen in craft beer: 30 pounds per barrel each of Petite Sirah and Merlot grape juice AND 30 pounds of blackberries!.

It pours a deep purple, wine-like hue that foreshadows bold, jammy, vinous flavors. The brewers used a Belgian Trappist Ale base known for minimal fruitiness to allow the grape juice to shine with notes of blueberry, cherry, and bittersweet dark chocolate. Then, they added blackberry puree for an even richer tangy sweetness.

This one is for beer fans who love the zing of berry preserves, the fanciness of a fine wine, and the drinkability of a clean, Golden Strong Ale.