Draught at Tip Tap Room, 8/24/16.
Deep auburn-tinted cherry-copper with mahogany highlights and a good-sized, beige head showing modest retention.
Great mix of fruitiness and bacterial acidity in the nose, with some light oak suggestions drying things out considerably, as very light toffee-honey grain notes build complexity. Acetic character shows to be more of an integrated component than the front-and-center piece that it often is, especially in American versions of this style. I’d be lying if I didn’t smell this and immediately get parallels of lambic notes. Not suggesting this is on par with the great lambic houses, but it’s certainly a very nicely matured, tart, fruity, nose full of good acidity and balanced malt and oak notes.
Tart and with plentiful red fruits in the mouth, it has a very tight carbonation that keeps it very drinkable, in concert with its soft, malty texture. Good attenuation, no over-oaked and with easygoing brett and lactic elements contrasting the stronger, more assertive acetic notes. Quite elegant and with a strong but not overwhelming acidity that easily clears the palate on the finish in preparation for another sip. Good dryness and just the right amount of wood character. Love it!