(Lakewood, NY) – Certain breweries make it a habit of staying in the headlines and Southern Tier is no exception. The brewery hasn’t even released its much-anticipated Creme Brulee stout yet though we’ve already got news to share about a new batch of brews coming out later this fall. Southern Tier Cuvee 1 will become the first beer in a set of three to be launched over the course of 2008 and 2009 when it is released late this fall.

According to Head Brewer, Paul Cain, Cuvee #1 is in formulation. “Expect it to be Golden and around 7% ABV. All the beers will use different oak varieties and at least two different yeast strains.” And what brought about the new beers? Says Cain, “The Cuvee series stems from the recent release of the Oak Aged Cherry Saison. We found the french oak staves very effective and enjoyed using them to impart the oak flavors into the Saison. We also used multiple yeast strains/fermentations to produce that beer.”

The series marks a change in paradigm for the brewery, one that has established itself as a leader on the East Coast with a portfolio of formidable American-style hoppy ales and heavy stouts. It won’t be leaving those styles anytime soon, but with Cherry Saison and these new offerings, Southern Tier is clearly experimenting with Belgian-style brewing more than it ever has before. [If you look around, you might just notice some other American breweries doing the same.]

Judging by the labels, these will released in regular bomber bottles as opposed to ‘cork n cage’ style.  Their releases will be spread out a few months apart.