9

Appearance - 10 | Aroma - 9 | Flavor - 9 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 9

2015 pressing, 2016 bottling, 750mL sparkling version drunk 12/28/17.
Clear brass with even a slight head formation due to plentiful carbonation.
Soft brett with umami and light earth. Yep, the first bottle I had wasn't a fluke (not that I thought it was), this is the real deal. Boisterous, fleshy "yellow" appleskin and heady, elegant light oak make for a highly aromatic nose that shows no toast, artificiality or excess sugar. Brett is well-integrated with the powerful fruit and light honey-like juice character lingers long on the finish as more and more earthy, funky notes emerge.
Juicy, fleshy, lovely apple juice melds perfectly with neutral oak notes in the mouth. An elegant, almost wine-like character is created with the help of the lightly tart Brett acidity. Tannin-rich texture is kept light and ebullient by the tight, champagne-like, natural carbonation. Big fruit flavors, soft funk and light earthy tones linger on. Rich and rewarding, yet properly attenuated and still dry overall. More "fun" than Blue Raincoat, if slightly less polished and elegant. Absolutely outstanding in its own right.