Stepping out of the norm for me, I tried one I had not seen before. Avery Brewing Co’s Brabant. This one just landed at the Flying Saucer and was served by Ang, the server who saved me from a very long wait! This is one is what is known as a Wild Ale. Beers of this type have an advantage other brews do not, although it is typically Belgian yeast, it’s got a bit of a wild side. The yeast is what is known as Wild Yeast, that is it is not added in intentionally. It comes from barrels that have previously been used for other purposes. Yeasts such as Brettanomyces are sometimes seen. You never know what you are going to get when this gets added in, so look out!
Avery Brewing out of Boulder, Colorado has just released this seasonal. Avery tells us that this was was aged for eight months!
This one pours a beautiful deep copper, brownish color into a tulip glass. The color almost reminds you of a Port. Although the head pours minimal and stays that way, the lacing left behind sticks well to the glass. This is definitely brewed at the right temperature.
The aroma shocked me. Although you never know what you get with a Wild Ale, when sniffing this one, I immediately was hit with aromas reminiscent of a wine such as a red. Likely that Avery used wine barrels to age this one! The scent of red wine is almost overpowering enough that you miss the faint hint of yeast and hops.
The taste was very similar. Almost like a sour, I tasted mostly the Zinfandel and not much else. Although not billed as a fruit ale, it almost acts like one. Similar in some ways to Dogfish Head’s Red and White. Hard to taste the yeast, but it was there. Reminded me in many ways of a Port, much as the color does.)Just now I look at the label and see that it’s aged in Zinfandel barrels!
Mouthfeel was descent, crisp and refreshing as the alcohol comes it you on the back end. A nice full bodied ale.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable beer. Surprising for me, as I’m not a huge fan of Wild Ale’s. Although this one reminded me too much of a lambic or a fruit ale, for what it’s trying to be, it was good. Definitely went well with the fresh off the grille burger topped with Gouda cheese!
0 Responses to “Avery Brewing Co's Brabant”