Allagash Interlude 750ML

Allagash Interlude 750ML is a 9.5% ABV Belgian-style mixed-fermentation ale aged in French wine barrels from Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine. Historically significant as the first bottled wild beer Allagash ever released commercially, Interlude carries a 94 score on BeerAdvocate across nearly 1,500 ratings—a testament to its enduring reputation among wild ale enthusiasts.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9.5%  |  Origin: Portland, Maine, USA  |  Style: Mixed-Fermentation Wild Ale  |  Brewery: Allagash Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Allagash Brewing Company, founded in 1995 by Rob Tod in Portland, Maine, built its reputation on Belgian-inspired brewing and became one of the most respected American craft breweries in that tradition. Interlude holds a special place in the Allagash lineup: it was the brewery's first commercially bottled wild beer, marking their entry into a category they would go on to explore extensively. The ale undergoes fermentation with two distinct yeast strains—a traditional Saison yeast that lays the classic Belgian flavor foundation, followed by the brewery's proprietary house strain of Brettanomyces, which contributes layers of wild complexity. A portion of the beer is then aged in French Merlot and Syrah oak barrels, introducing tannic structure and vinous depth before the final blend is assembled and bottle-conditioned.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with unmistakable Brettanomyces character—earthy, barnyard funk layered over ripe stone fruit and tart apple. Deeper breaths reveal pear skin, wildflower honey, and a subtle vinous quality reminiscent of the Merlot and Syrah barrels.

Taste: The entry is moderately tart with flavors of red grape, lemon, and plum. Mid-palate, the Saison backbone emerges through doughy malt and earthy wheat, while the Brett contributes apricot, graham cracker, and bread crust. Oak tannins, bitter almond, and a subtle vanilla sweetness round out the peak, giving the beer a wine-like structural complexity unusual for a Belgian-style ale.

Finish: The finish is long and refreshingly tart, with lingering notes of wet hay, stone fruit, and tannic red wine. A dry oak character and faint honey sweetness persist well after each sip.

How to Drink Interlude

Interlude is best served in a tulip glass or wine goblet at cellar temperature (50–55°F) to allow the full spectrum of Brett and barrel character to express itself. The 750ml bottle with cork-and-cage closure is designed for sharing and benefits from a careful, sediment-free pour. A Michelada variation using Interlude in place of lager brings unexpected tartness and depth to the classic format. In a Wild Ale Spritz—a splash of elderflower liqueur and sparkling water—the stone fruit and floral notes amplify beautifully. For a bold pairing approach, use a small measure of Interlude as the sour component in a Beer Cocktail Sour, substituting it for citrus alongside gin and simple syrup.

Best For

• Sharing with fellow wild ale and sour beer enthusiasts during a bottle share
• Cellaring alongside other mixed-fermentation ales to track flavor evolution over time
• Pairing with a curated cheese course at a dinner party
• Gifting a craft beer collector who values historically significant American wild ales

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Interlude taste like? Interlude delivers moderate tartness with flavors of red grape, stone fruit, and lemon, underpinned by earthy Brett funk, oak tannins, and a vinous quality from its French wine barrel aging.

How does Interlude compare to a Belgian Quadrupel? While some drinkers note Quad-like malt richness and dark fruit character, Interlude is fundamentally a different style—its Brettanomyces fermentation and barrel aging produce a drier, more tart, and funkier profile than the sweeter, heavier body of a traditional Belgian Quad.

Is Interlude good for sipping on its own? Absolutely—at 9.5% ABV with layered complexity from dual fermentation and barrel aging, Interlude is designed to be savored slowly from a stemmed glass, much like a fine wine.

Where is Interlude made? Interlude is brewed and barrel-aged at Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine, a brewery founded in 1995 that specializes in Belgian-inspired ales and is widely regarded as one of America's top producers in that tradition.

What foods pair well with Interlude? Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese complement the beer's tannic, funky profile. Roasted duck with a cherry reduction mirrors its dark fruit notes. Charcuterie boards with prosciutto and cornichons play off the tartness. A fruit tart with apricot or plum filling echoes the stone fruit character. Blue cheese brings out the earthy Brett complexity.

What sizes does Interlude come in? Interlude is available in the traditional Belgian-format 750ml cork-and-cage bottle, which is the standard release size for this ale.

Is Interlude worth the price? Interlude positions as a premium craft offering within the American wild ale category, and its dual-yeast fermentation, French wine barrel aging, and status as Allagash's first commercially bottled wild beer provide genuine substance behind its price point—it consistently delivers the complexity expected at this tier.

Why Interlude?

Interlude is not just another barrel-aged sour—it represents a milestone in American wild beer history as the first bottled wild ale from one of the country's most respected Belgian-style breweries. The dual fermentation process, combining Saison yeast with Allagash's proprietary Brettanomyces house strain, creates a depth of flavor that single-culture fermentations simply cannot achieve. The partial aging in French Merlot and Syrah barrels adds a vinous dimension that bridges the gap between beer and wine, making it a genuinely distinctive bottle. A 94 score on BeerAdvocate across nearly 1,500 reviews confirms that Interlude has maintained its quality and relevance years after its debut.