2008 750mL bottle drunk 8/25/16.
Another casualty of my prior "Let’s age everything!" syndrome that I very much regret. This certainly couldn’t be getting any better, so I figured I may as well open it and get it over with, expecting a probable drainpour. Well, I couldn’t have been more shockingly wrong....The cork comes out with still a good, audible pop and the beer pours a large, beige head with a dark bronze-dark amber colored body with auburn highlights. Good clarity and head retention.
The nose is phenomenally elegant with mild wood tannin softening any punchy acidity (of which there really isn’t any). Light red wine notes blend seamlessly with fruity, tart, bright brett notes and there’s no toastiness to the oak. As well, the malt has fully attenuated, but still adds an ever so slight roast character that comes off more like strong black pepper. Great balance, with just pure, lovely, fruity and tart brett.
The flavor holds up perfectly, as well, with light wine suggestions on top a substantial, yet well-attenuated body. Dark malts are noticeable on the finish, adding a light roastiness. Cranberry seems to have passed, though there is some tanginess/tartness and boisterous fruitiness that signify remnants of it. Regardless, the brett here is so well-developed and the wine and wood character so gentle and elegant that it matters little how much craberry is left. Still shocked how good this was....and all that from just a single wine barrel with schwarzbier and bugs added.