Nelson Sauvin Brut (Chardonnay Barrel with Oranges and Passion Fruit)
Mikkeller ApS

 

 

 

 

Pours a clear dark amber with orange hues. A very thin white head that settles quickly to a thin ring and leaves ample spotty lacing. Aromas of citrus fruits, chardonnay, oak, yeast and some sour funk. Tastes of orange, orange peel, oak, chardonnay, passion fruit, yeast and a sour funkiness (not at the level of a sour but very prevalent). Light to medium bodied, lightly carbonated and a very dry finish.

 

dry, pithy, bitter, vinous

Best-by canning of 10/1/19... Brewed by De Proef in Belgium... From the can, "Belgian wild ale brewed with oranges & passion fruit & aged in chardonnay barrels" - ingredients also indicate the inclusion of "light rock candy" - looks very similar to at least one other release of theirs, but the figure on the side of the can is holding a round orange and purple passion fruit in his hand, and the words, "Nelson Orange Passion" (in green, orange, and purple) are printed on the back...

Into a tulip, pours an amber-orange, close to clear, but not quite... Finger or two of pale beige foam subside into a faint film on top... If there was any sediment in the can, it remained there...

Fruited chardonnay aromas feature wet oaky wood tannins, tropical and citrus impressions, and something a little funky, like yeast... The flavors follow the nose, with a great rich chardonnay flavor, and some tangy fruit and tart yeast - not a sour beer, mind you, but just funky with tang... Orange and passion fruit inclusion (3% and 2%, respectively, per the can) is subtly blended into the malt, hop, and yeast to present a fruity but not overdone character... Smooth and soft, mildly carbonated, and only mildly sweet - the "brut" appellation on the can is appropriate to the taste if not the process, as there is a nice oaky drying despite the addition of sweetening agents like fruit and rock candy...

Some confusion about the categorization on my part, as my instinct was to consider it a biere de champagne/biere brut, but I felt that an "American wild ale" is probably a closer approximation since the can says, "Belgian wild ale" and a biere de champagne should feature champagne yeast (and I couldn't find anything to suggest this beer did)... Regardless, upon the tasting, I think it is most like a wild ale, but style purists may or may not agree...

In sum though, as an independent entity, this is an excellent beer - and a well-rewarded deviation from the current norm for me... Buyer beware: Price-point is a little high: Even at Total Wine, the 4-pack was $34; I bought two cans and it came out to $17 - and we're talking 12 oz cans of a 9% abv product... For my tastes, worth it...

Heck, I'd probably buy a 4-pack if I spot another... Recommended...