8.4

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 10 | Overall - 8.5

April 2014 Magnum shared by Adam C on 7/25/15.
Another fantastic pour, obviously having had a good deal of time to really build up plenty of carbonation in the bottle. Large white head tops a soft golden, lightly hazy body.
I believe as soon as we started drinking this, immediately following Arthur (could be Ann vs Anna, but it’s the same argument), someone said right away, "Wow, not even close between this and Arthur." (implying this, being barrel-aged, was way better). I VERY quickly disagreed and while I don’t know if it’s better or worse, I don’t like that barrel aging is just automatically associated with higher quality, more finely crafted beers. Sure, the beer takes longer to produce but I don’t think that says anything about quality. I’m not always in the mood for a more dull, tannic, lactic, generally drier, lighter beer. Especially the case here, where I much preferred the aroma on Arthur, being completely different and vastly brighter. Still just as complex despite the lack of the wine and wood element. I think people often vastly overestimate the effect barrel-aging has on a beer.
ANYWAYS....this was much more reserved in the nose than CD14; not a noseful of wine at all and the sauv blanc is very nicely integrated, allowing citrus, vanilla and light cereal grain notes. Dulled by the tannin, as expected, and I much prefer the regular version’s aroma.
Strong acids in the mouth show grape and lactic influences, with honey-like maltiness, bread dough and moderate fruitiness (stone fruits, light citrus). Lip smacking acidity on the end is very well balanced thanks to the attenuation level, which is near-perfect here, allowing enough malt texture and sugar to balance. Lemons and soft, light floral notes linger. Tight carbonation as always from HF.