Open Mind
Birrificio Montegioco

Had on tap. On the pour and smell, I was thinking, "come one guys, this is not a bad beer." Has some nice grape musk, sour oak, wine barrel depth, and a cornucopia classic fruits, with a hint of almost gueuze earthiness. Then I tasted it.... Sour grape, cheap wine, mold, and the aftertaste was the kicker: sweaty socks! Yuck! Just a sloppy boozy mess in the body too. Too bad because it had so much potential.

i have no explanation at all for the low rating here, it makes no sense to me, even though this is old now (2014), its still drinking amazingly well, and i am shocked others havent found it more enjoyable. its a cool grape brew, what i think the italians do best, less wild than many, but surely interesting from a yeast standpoint. i have seen prices of this vary wildly around the country, from close to 30 bucks down to as little as 12, not sure what accounts for that, but id say its worth it at any level if you can find it now. a thick looking pinkish purple color to it, stained by the grapes no doubt, creamy headed and rather dense, milkshakey but real bubbly too, looks nice in a wine glass. the aroma has just a little tartness, but it seems like more of a tired saison or even lightly belgian strain than it does bacterial, some tannins from the fruit, but still a freshness too for how old this is, a cool hearty grain profile that i would think has to include some wheat, and a bit of sweetness from the fruit as well. its complex for not being bretty or farmy, incredibly unique. the fruit doesnt overtake the beer at all, but its pretty bold in here. i think i expected this to be more of a lambic type, but i am kind of glad its not, its so interesting this way, light cotton candy notes, purple grape candy, and port wine, but this isnt sweet. rich in feel, hearty from the malt, puffy feeling and really frothy and fizzy on the tongue, dry at the end somehow, a little tangy grape remaining. one of a kind stuff, really has aged well, awesome artwork on the bottle paper, and something quite underappreciated here in my opinion. one of the highlights of a really good session! i cant get enough italian beer right now!

 

 

 

 

2010 vintage.

Pours a dark golden orange color with tangerine edges and a two finger, yellowish-beige head that quickly settles into a thick, lasting ring.  Streaks of soapy lacing left behind.  

Musty aroma with vinous fruit, floral, earthy hops, bready yeast and pale malt.  Estery yeast notes give off hits of apple, banana and booze which counters the strong grape must character.  

Slightly tart medium body with soft carbonation and a combination of zesty spice, musty funk and vinous fruit.  Earthy with floral hops, estery yeast and musty funk.  Peppery spice with a strong grape presence followed by other berries, apple peel and alcohol/booze.  Strong grape skin/must character give it some slight funkiness.  Decent  enough but drinking 22oz was a bit much.

On tap chez moeder lambic fontainas , Brussels

The beer pours a dirty yellow color with a white head.
The aroma has a lot of fruit notes, as well as some berries, wheat and a little bit of sugary sweetness.
The flavor is similar and is very fruity. I also get some grain and wheat notes.
Medium mouthfeel and very soft carbonation. There is definitely a lot going on here, but the notes in the aroma and flavor just don’t meld together too well in my opinion.

Bottle shared at bu11zeye's 10,000th rating tasting.

The beer pours a dirty yellow color with a white head. The aroma has a lot of fruit notes, as well as some berries, wheat and a little bit of sugary sweetness. The flavor is similar and is very fruity. I also get some grain and wheat notes. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. There is definitely a lot going on here, but the notes in the aroma and flavor just don't meld together too well in my opinion.

Thanks Manuele! Bottle at Bir&Fud. Pour is a dark amaber orange with a cream white head and larger open bubbles. The nose is spicy pepper right up front, strong chardonnay characterisitcs, white grape juice, spritzer water. The taste is very sweet white grapes, very champaigne like with out the huge carbonation and a finish much less dry. Very sugary and sweet, rather singular. Creamy medium body and a bit oily.