The Autumn Defense and Ocelot Brewing Weld a Warming Witbier – Wintershore

Tomorrow, Virginia’s Ocelot Brewing releases Wintershore, a 4.4% Belgian-style witbier brewed in collaboration with The Autumn Defense. The citrus-windblown white ale welcomes the arrival of Here and Nowhere, the quartet’s sixth LP and first in over a decade.
 
Here and Nowhere continues the love letter to ’60s and ’70s Southern California soft rock and psychedelic pop that multi-instrumentalists John Stirratt and Patrick Sansone have been penning since The Autumn Defense’s 2000 debut. It was crafted inside the wood-paneled walls of Nashville’s historic Creative Workshop, where over the course of several year’s cooler months, the two Wilco mainstays holed up with drummer Greg Wieczorek, bassist James Haggerty, and a revolving cast of orchestral contributors. What emerged from these hibernal sessions is a record that crackles with warmth. Its 11 varied songs traverse the expansive musical legacy of Laurel Canyon’s winding roads – exquisitely captured, coated in tender harmonies, lushly adorned with strings, brass, and woodwinds.
 
Wintershore endeavors to conjure that feeling of radiant solace. The beer is named after “Winter Shore,” a stately Stirratt composition buoyed by a luminous chorus that emerges like the sun breaking through the clouds on an overcast January afternoon. Fittingly, our collaboration is straw yellow but opaque, exhibiting the “growing haze” you’d expect from a grist that’s nearly half oats and wheat. Those adjuncts give the beer satiny smoothness, while freshly ground coriander and dried orange and lemon peel imbue Wintershore with a citrusy glow. Coriander’s subtle spice is complimented by Adeena, a Pacific Northwest varietal that evokes the noble attributes of its continental counterparts. And our house witbier strain ferments the beer dry, leaving phenols and a touch more spice in its wake. A classic style brought to life through modern means – what could be more appropriate?
 
The can’s label art mirrors the coastline imagery found on and within the packaging for Here and Nowhere. This particular shoreline was photographed by Stirratt, who lent us a picture showcasing the frosty vacationland of his adoptive home state, Maine. Like Here and Nowhere, it’s transportive – though we will gladly relish the here and now of making something with a group of our favorite musicians.
__________
 
Here and Nowhere is out now via Yep Roc Records. The Autumn Defense’s North American tour begins Friday, October 24, at the Barns at Wolf Trap.
 
Wintershore will be available at the brewery this Wednesday. 
  
The witbier follows previous Ocelot collaborations with Momma, Protomartyr, Sheer Mag, Superchunk, Palehound, Bon Iver, Jens Lekman, The Clientele, Mary Timony, Polvo, The Fiery Furnaces, Friendship, Lily Seabird, Fucked Up, of Montreal, Bad Moves, Slumberland Records, Merge Records, Songbyrd Music House, and Superchunk again. Founded by Adrien and Laura Widman in spring 2015, the brewery is located in Dulles, Virginia.

zzubreebym

About Ocelot Brewing:

Ocelot Brewing Company is a dog-friendly brewery located in Dulles, Virginia, known for its range of IPAs, barrel-aged beers, and other craft styles, along with a classic arcade and pinball game room. Founded by Adrien Widman, the brewery offers a laid-back atmosphere with a focus on fresh, high-quality beers and is popular with both beer enthusiasts and families. 

Key Features

Dog-Friendly:Ocelot Brewing welcomes dogs inside the tasting room, complete with a dedicated water faucet for canine guests. 

Game Room:The brewery features a popular game room with numerous high-end classic and modern pinball machines and other arcade games. 

Beer Variety:Ocelot produces a wide array of beers, with a reputation for excellent IPAs and distinctive barrel-aged stouts and barleywines. 

Atmosphere:The brewery has a relaxed, “Dead-Head vibe” and is described as a top-notch spot with friendly staff, making it a great place to visit. 

Bottling:Ocelot was in the process of bottling their beers, initially focusing on aged and highly-reviewed IPAs for sale at the brewery to maintain freshness. 

Location and Founding
Ocelot Brewing Company is situated in Dulles, Virginia, in Loudoun County.

The brewery was founded by Adrien Widman, who serves as its owner and founder. 

Experience
Visitors can expect a welcoming environment, whether they are bringing their dogs, playing games, or simply enjoying a craft beer.

The combination of high-quality beer, a fun arcade atmosphere, and a welcoming policy for dogs makes Ocelot a unique destination.