Bird Of Prey | Driftwood Brewery
Brewed by:
Driftwood Brewery
British Columbia, Canada | website
Style: Flanders Red Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.50%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by Rutager on 11-17-2011
Reviews: 18 | Ratings: 51
4.47/5 rDev +4.9%
Appearance: It has a nice ruby/amber color to it. It has a nice creamy beige head that dies down moderately and leaves little lacing.
Smell: The aromas definitely give out hints of loads of tart cherries, definite funk, grapes, faint oak and a touch of vinegar.
Taste: Like the aromas, it has a bunch of tart cherries, red grapes, some barnyard funk, light oak and very faint vinegar.
Mouthfeel: It has a low carbonation with a nice overall balance and feel.
Drinkability: It's a very smooth drinkable beer accompanied by great flavors and aromas. Another great one by Driftwood!
Serving type: bottle
★ 609 characters
Appearance: It has a nice ruby/amber color to it. It has a nice creamy beige head that dies down moderately and leaves little lacing.
Smell: The aromas definitely give out hints of loads of tart cherries, definite funk, grapes, faint oak and a touch of vinegar.
Taste: Like the aromas, it has a bunch of tart cherries, red grapes, some barnyard funk, light oak and very faint vinegar.
Mouthfeel: It has a low carbonation with a nice overall balance and feel.
Drinkability: It's a very smooth drinkable beer accompanied by great flavors and aromas. Another great one by Driftwood!
Serving type: bottle
★ 609 characters
3.89/5 rDev -8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Big thanks to FondueVoodoo for helping me round off the Top 50 of Canada with this rarity.
Poured from a 650ml bottle, bottled 01.28.14.
Pours a nice copperish body with a frothy and effervescent head. Aroma is the best part; oak, red wine, mild cherries, cork and a bit of sweetness hidden in the tartness. Flavor is acidic and a bit tart but not prolonged. Fiinshes with a mild cherry sweetness but found the oak flavor and general body to be a bit ordinary, especially considering the pedigree of the brewery.
★ 514 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Big thanks to FondueVoodoo for helping me round off the Top 50 of Canada with this rarity.
Poured from a 650ml bottle, bottled 01.28.14.
Pours a nice copperish body with a frothy and effervescent head. Aroma is the best part; oak, red wine, mild cherries, cork and a bit of sweetness hidden in the tartness. Flavor is acidic and a bit tart but not prolonged. Fiinshes with a mild cherry sweetness but found the oak flavor and general body to be a bit ordinary, especially considering the pedigree of the brewery.
★ 514 characters
4.21/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2014 bottle.
Beer is dark red/brownish. Small off-white head. Minimal lace.
Nice smell. A rich berry scent complimented by oak, balsamic vinegar and some vanilla.
Taste is similar and also very good. Red berries, oak, vanilla, vinegar. Moderately sour. Fairly dry.
Full bodied, moderate to high carbonation level.
Overall, very nice. A very well done Flanders Red. It's not Rodenbach Grand Cru but it is not leagues below either. Good stuff.
★ 446 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2014 bottle.
Beer is dark red/brownish. Small off-white head. Minimal lace.
Nice smell. A rich berry scent complimented by oak, balsamic vinegar and some vanilla.
Taste is similar and also very good. Red berries, oak, vanilla, vinegar. Moderately sour. Fairly dry.
Full bodied, moderate to high carbonation level.
Overall, very nice. A very well done Flanders Red. It's not Rodenbach Grand Cru but it is not leagues below either. Good stuff.
★ 446 characters
3.71/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Longtime want from Fonduevoodoo in CanBIF Spring 2014.
A - Pours typical Flemish Red colour of hazy auburn and tons of carbonation. One finger of beige head on top. Spotty lace and film of retention.
S - Lot's of tart cherry and wood. Mild vinegar note and acidity.
T - Sharp tartness and acidity. Less fruit. Some sugar is there.
M - Strong carbonation, medium body, not too tart to finish, but funk and acidic.
O/D - This definitely didn't wow, but is a decent example of the style. Easy to drink and nice to explore for sure. A good effort.
★ 549 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Longtime want from Fonduevoodoo in CanBIF Spring 2014.
A - Pours typical Flemish Red colour of hazy auburn and tons of carbonation. One finger of beige head on top. Spotty lace and film of retention.
S - Lot's of tart cherry and wood. Mild vinegar note and acidity.
T - Sharp tartness and acidity. Less fruit. Some sugar is there.
M - Strong carbonation, medium body, not too tart to finish, but funk and acidic.
O/D - This definitely didn't wow, but is a decent example of the style. Easy to drink and nice to explore for sure. A good effort.
★ 549 characters
4.46/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 650ml bomber into a Dieu du Ciel Zwanze Day teku glass
2014 Vintage; Poured 2014/05/30; Thanks to FondouVoodoo for the bottle
Pours a clear copper color with almost two fingers of bubbly, white head that falls to a thin collar and no lacing. The nose is soft, dominated by tart cherries, some sourness, hints of sweetness and a bit of barnt funk. On the palate, the tart cherries and a touch of sweet malt roll through first, but the beer transitions into crisp tart, sourness. There is a nice oaky character and an overall crispness. The body is medium with nice carbonation making it smooth, light and refreshing. Overall, this is a very tasty brew! Very smooth and a nice balance of residual sweetness and tart, dry sourness. A very strong example of the style!
★ 779 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 650ml bomber into a Dieu du Ciel Zwanze Day teku glass
2014 Vintage; Poured 2014/05/30; Thanks to FondouVoodoo for the bottle
Pours a clear copper color with almost two fingers of bubbly, white head that falls to a thin collar and no lacing. The nose is soft, dominated by tart cherries, some sourness, hints of sweetness and a bit of barnt funk. On the palate, the tart cherries and a touch of sweet malt roll through first, but the beer transitions into crisp tart, sourness. There is a nice oaky character and an overall crispness. The body is medium with nice carbonation making it smooth, light and refreshing. Overall, this is a very tasty brew! Very smooth and a nice balance of residual sweetness and tart, dry sourness. A very strong example of the style!
★ 779 characters
4.55/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
This is easily my favorite Flanders Red outside of Rodenbach and I could probably drink it more regularly! It's smooth, mildly tart, and all of its components are extremely well-integrated.
★ 189 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
This is easily my favorite Flanders Red outside of Rodenbach and I could probably drink it more regularly! It's smooth, mildly tart, and all of its components are extremely well-integrated.
★ 189 characters
4.29/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
**DISCLAIMER**
This is a fresh bottle. It arrived to the market no longer than a week ago. Depending on age, this will always effect various characteristics.
---
Appearance - Nothing special, but nice. Clearly filtered. Nice strong amber/ orange. Small amount of head. Doesn't last long.
Smell - Delicious funk, sour cherries, lemon, sharp and cutting. Light brown sugar aroma, too. Slight clove layered in behind? Light breadiness, alcohol is a little heavy on the nose but not offensive.
Taste - Sour yeast, sour dough, pears, lemon citrus, orange peel, subtle wood flavour, grassy, wheat on the finish, apples, candied orange peel, with a nice, crisp acidity. Plants and flower pedals. Clean, crisp and dry. Lots going on here. Impressive.
Mouthfeel - Nice carbonation. This isn't seen in the appearance much, but can be detected by the tongue a lot more. This can be felt all throughout the mouth, but mainly the upper back portion, nearest the the throat. Quite nice.
Overall - It really doesn't get much better than this. To be honest, I am quite surprised given I am a real Belgian enthusiast and many of these North American breweries never seem to usually nail sours. In fact, it reminds me of the Duchesse de Bourgogne, but more fruity and slightly less sour, yet is certainly not far removed. No joke, this is a perfectly balanced Flanders: sour, sweet tart cherries and a beautiful yeast strain.
★ 1,414 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
**DISCLAIMER**
This is a fresh bottle. It arrived to the market no longer than a week ago. Depending on age, this will always effect various characteristics.
---
Appearance - Nothing special, but nice. Clearly filtered. Nice strong amber/ orange. Small amount of head. Doesn't last long.
Smell - Delicious funk, sour cherries, lemon, sharp and cutting. Light brown sugar aroma, too. Slight clove layered in behind? Light breadiness, alcohol is a little heavy on the nose but not offensive.
Taste - Sour yeast, sour dough, pears, lemon citrus, orange peel, subtle wood flavour, grassy, wheat on the finish, apples, candied orange peel, with a nice, crisp acidity. Plants and flower pedals. Clean, crisp and dry. Lots going on here. Impressive.
Mouthfeel - Nice carbonation. This isn't seen in the appearance much, but can be detected by the tongue a lot more. This can be felt all throughout the mouth, but mainly the upper back portion, nearest the the throat. Quite nice.
Overall - It really doesn't get much better than this. To be honest, I am quite surprised given I am a real Belgian enthusiast and many of these North American breweries never seem to usually nail sours. In fact, it reminds me of the Duchesse de Bourgogne, but more fruity and slightly less sour, yet is certainly not far removed. No joke, this is a perfectly balanced Flanders: sour, sweet tart cherries and a beautiful yeast strain.
★ 1,414 characters
3.75/5 rDev -12%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This is a fresh bottle of the 2014 vintage. Drank less than a week after bottling.
A: Murky auburn brown with red highlights, skim of dense light tan head.
S: Grape must, sour cherries, muted sweetness, hint of tannins.
T: Gentle and intertwined fruit and oak character. There is a sort of vegetal lactic acid thing going on that's not overly pleasant - I hope this will settle down with age. The sourness is dull rather than puckering or complex.
M: Light and slightly fizzy - not much to report but suits the job.
O: Not a home-run, at least not at this point. It's pretty good but I've definitely had a bunch of Flanders reds I've preferred. I think this may do well with some age though, and a couple are in the cellar for future dates.
★ 750 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This is a fresh bottle of the 2014 vintage. Drank less than a week after bottling.
A: Murky auburn brown with red highlights, skim of dense light tan head.
S: Grape must, sour cherries, muted sweetness, hint of tannins.
T: Gentle and intertwined fruit and oak character. There is a sort of vegetal lactic acid thing going on that's not overly pleasant - I hope this will settle down with age. The sourness is dull rather than puckering or complex.
M: Light and slightly fizzy - not much to report but suits the job.
O: Not a home-run, at least not at this point. It's pretty good but I've definitely had a bunch of Flanders reds I've preferred. I think this may do well with some age though, and a couple are in the cellar for future dates.
★ 750 characters
3.51/5 rDev -17.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
Bottle shared by psiweaver I think? Served in a taster glass.
A - White foam settles to a thick collar, wispy patches, and minimal laced. Lightly hazed burnt orange body.
S - Very sulfurous aroma, with some farmhouse funk. There's a mild vinegar character, as well as some fruity malts, and a bit of grain, but this is overwhelmed by the brett and I'm not a huge fan of whatever strain was used.
T - The taste is better, as the stale fart flavor has largely dissipated. Some oaky vanilla, overripe fruits, a touch of green apple skins, dirty funk, and some mild vinegar flavors. Not much in the way of residual vinous character from the wine barrels.
M - Surprisingly zesty carbonation, and extremely dry and oaky. Medium body, with some light residual stickiness. Alcohol is well concealed and acidity is restrained.
D - Not bad, other than the mildly off-putting aroma. Probably suffered being consumed next to Rodenbach's sublime Caractère Rouge, although it's not a very fair comparison as this doesn't have fruit in it. I'd be willing to try this again down the road to see if the sulfur clears up or the acidity intensifies.
★ 1,136 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
Bottle shared by psiweaver I think? Served in a taster glass.
A - White foam settles to a thick collar, wispy patches, and minimal laced. Lightly hazed burnt orange body.
S - Very sulfurous aroma, with some farmhouse funk. There's a mild vinegar character, as well as some fruity malts, and a bit of grain, but this is overwhelmed by the brett and I'm not a huge fan of whatever strain was used.
T - The taste is better, as the stale fart flavor has largely dissipated. Some oaky vanilla, overripe fruits, a touch of green apple skins, dirty funk, and some mild vinegar flavors. Not much in the way of residual vinous character from the wine barrels.
M - Surprisingly zesty carbonation, and extremely dry and oaky. Medium body, with some light residual stickiness. Alcohol is well concealed and acidity is restrained.
D - Not bad, other than the mildly off-putting aroma. Probably suffered being consumed next to Rodenbach's sublime Caractère Rouge, although it's not a very fair comparison as this doesn't have fruit in it. I'd be willing to try this again down the road to see if the sulfur clears up or the acidity intensifies.
★ 1,136 characters
4.52/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
650ml bottle poured into tulip 5/4/12
A a redder shade of amber with a fair amount of haze, I needed to pour it right down the center of the glass to get a reaction but the thumbs width of creme colored foam leaves a thick ring of lace where it existed
S funky oak comes out fast followed by some sour cherry and vinegar, just a little caramel and what I imagine fermented strawberries to smell like, more fruity funk and just the faintest hint of booze
T oak soaked vinegar has less fruity and funky notes then the nose but everything just blends together to create a wonderful brew. well concealed booze and a little granny smith plays a part, fairly dry with some vinous notes throughout
M sour but my mouth hasn't quite been turned inside-out, leaves my mouth watering and a slick feel on my cheeks, somehow a little sticky on the lips and could it be the pin prick bubbles leaving a slight tingle? The pucker has me smacking my lips together, I'm assuming this is exactly what they intended
O need I say more? this is one bad ass brew and I doubt many would argue with me. I just cant believe this style is being nailed by a newer Canadian brewery to this extent.
BRILLIANT BREWERY ALERT!!! Just once I'd like to be below the average for one one of my Driftwood ratings, call me a homer but I had to trade to get this one. Thanks chickenm for this gem and Eskimodave need some props for allowing me to taste what I assume will be a great cellar addition.
★ 1,469 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
650ml bottle poured into tulip 5/4/12
A a redder shade of amber with a fair amount of haze, I needed to pour it right down the center of the glass to get a reaction but the thumbs width of creme colored foam leaves a thick ring of lace where it existed
S funky oak comes out fast followed by some sour cherry and vinegar, just a little caramel and what I imagine fermented strawberries to smell like, more fruity funk and just the faintest hint of booze
T oak soaked vinegar has less fruity and funky notes then the nose but everything just blends together to create a wonderful brew. well concealed booze and a little granny smith plays a part, fairly dry with some vinous notes throughout
M sour but my mouth hasn't quite been turned inside-out, leaves my mouth watering and a slick feel on my cheeks, somehow a little sticky on the lips and could it be the pin prick bubbles leaving a slight tingle? The pucker has me smacking my lips together, I'm assuming this is exactly what they intended
O need I say more? this is one bad ass brew and I doubt many would argue with me. I just cant believe this style is being nailed by a newer Canadian brewery to this extent.
BRILLIANT BREWERY ALERT!!! Just once I'd like to be below the average for one one of my Driftwood ratings, call me a homer but I had to trade to get this one. Thanks chickenm for this gem and Eskimodave need some props for allowing me to taste what I assume will be a great cellar addition.
★ 1,469 characters
4.42/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
650 ml bottle of 2011 vintage, poured into a tulip. Kudos to Nigel at Ladysmith Liquor Barn for effectively cellaring this one for me since the release date.
A: Dark coppery, amber with an off-white head that dissipates quickly but leaves a disproportionate amount of lacing.
S: Apple cider and barnyard funk, soft on the nose but still bold. Very appetizing.
T: Very subtle with the fruity sourness - light and refreshing without coming off as weak. Cherries and apples on the palate, vinegar and funk on the finish. After 4+ months of cellaring, no hop character detected.
M: Moderate body, not too heavy or light, with subdued acidity and average carbonation. Very crisp finish.
O: Bird of Prey is another outstanding offering from Driftwood, and an excellent introduction to sours. High drinkability, and it ages very well.
★ 836 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
650 ml bottle of 2011 vintage, poured into a tulip. Kudos to Nigel at Ladysmith Liquor Barn for effectively cellaring this one for me since the release date.
A: Dark coppery, amber with an off-white head that dissipates quickly but leaves a disproportionate amount of lacing.
S: Apple cider and barnyard funk, soft on the nose but still bold. Very appetizing.
T: Very subtle with the fruity sourness - light and refreshing without coming off as weak. Cherries and apples on the palate, vinegar and funk on the finish. After 4+ months of cellaring, no hop character detected.
M: Moderate body, not too heavy or light, with subdued acidity and average carbonation. Very crisp finish.
O: Bird of Prey is another outstanding offering from Driftwood, and an excellent introduction to sours. High drinkability, and it ages very well.
★ 836 characters
4.32/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I'm impressed.
I expected something like Petrus... maybe boardering on a Goudenband, but this is more like a Rodenbach.
Clear, copper amber, pours with an hint of off-white head. Absolutely no retention (unlike its Belgian counter-parts), but somehow it manages to leave a little lace.
Aroma is woodsy & leathery, some cider, with a little straw-like funk... and it's very inviting.
The taste is a bit sour, but certainly not overrbearing, with a light, leathery funk. A little woodsy, brown sugar, golden raisins, cider, biscuit and earth with a light grassy & peppery spice.
Moderate body has a light acidity and a crisp finish.
Well done. I'd like to see how this mellow's with age.
Thanks Rutager!
★ 710 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I'm impressed.
I expected something like Petrus... maybe boardering on a Goudenband, but this is more like a Rodenbach.
Clear, copper amber, pours with an hint of off-white head. Absolutely no retention (unlike its Belgian counter-parts), but somehow it manages to leave a little lace.
Aroma is woodsy & leathery, some cider, with a little straw-like funk... and it's very inviting.
The taste is a bit sour, but certainly not overrbearing, with a light, leathery funk. A little woodsy, brown sugar, golden raisins, cider, biscuit and earth with a light grassy & peppery spice.
Moderate body has a light acidity and a crisp finish.
Well done. I'd like to see how this mellow's with age.
Thanks Rutager!
★ 710 characters
4.09/5 rDev -4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Mirky amber with a finger of off white head. Not much retention.
S - Sweet fruity esters, mostly cherry, with a bit of funky sourness.
T - Sourness replaces the bitterness in this beer. Very fruity, again cherry, some currant as well. Surprisingly like some red wines I've had.
M - Medium bodied, sour.
O - Well done, but it's not much of session beer.
★ 362 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Mirky amber with a finger of off white head. Not much retention.
S - Sweet fruity esters, mostly cherry, with a bit of funky sourness.
T - Sourness replaces the bitterness in this beer. Very fruity, again cherry, some currant as well. Surprisingly like some red wines I've had.
M - Medium bodied, sour.
O - Well done, but it's not much of session beer.
★ 362 characters
4.23/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks Gerry for this! I'm not normally a big fan of Flanders Red, but I actually quite like this.
Good copper colour with light amber highlights to it. Big, slightly pink-ish head that is quite lively and filled with tiny, tiny bubbles.
Definite sour, light malt scent. Musty, light barnyard-y scent.
Tart, sour fruit taste, floral hops. Tart, bitter finish, with a somewhat dry aftertaste. Not very hoppy at all, almost like eating a citrus fruit thats been rubbed on oak (if that makes sense). Definite wine traits to this.
Nice mouthfeel, low carbonation. A good example of the style, and this might get me into trying more Flanders Reds.
★ 646 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks Gerry for this! I'm not normally a big fan of Flanders Red, but I actually quite like this.
Good copper colour with light amber highlights to it. Big, slightly pink-ish head that is quite lively and filled with tiny, tiny bubbles.
Definite sour, light malt scent. Musty, light barnyard-y scent.
Tart, sour fruit taste, floral hops. Tart, bitter finish, with a somewhat dry aftertaste. Not very hoppy at all, almost like eating a citrus fruit thats been rubbed on oak (if that makes sense). Definite wine traits to this.
Nice mouthfeel, low carbonation. A good example of the style, and this might get me into trying more Flanders Reds.
★ 646 characters
4.5/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bird of prey pours a very slightly hazy deep amber with a thin head that leads a nice lacing. The aroma is a blast of sweet fruity esters and tart, sour and funky. Just a bit of sweet caramel malt comes through in the flavor, the sourness comes in quickly. It's moderate but not overpowering, and quite pleasant. Some fruitiness pops up, but the finish remains sour. It's almost grapfruity, but in an entirely different way from hoppy beers. There is a red wine like character, with some light oak flavors.
I am a novice to sour beers, so I can't describe all the flavors, but I really like what's going on. The beer is excellently balanced, and really drinkable.
★ 664 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bird of prey pours a very slightly hazy deep amber with a thin head that leads a nice lacing. The aroma is a blast of sweet fruity esters and tart, sour and funky. Just a bit of sweet caramel malt comes through in the flavor, the sourness comes in quickly. It's moderate but not overpowering, and quite pleasant. Some fruitiness pops up, but the finish remains sour. It's almost grapfruity, but in an entirely different way from hoppy beers. There is a red wine like character, with some light oak flavors.
I am a novice to sour beers, so I can't describe all the flavors, but I really like what's going on. The beer is excellently balanced, and really drinkable.
★ 664 characters
4.37/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
A: 1/2" tan coloured head over vermillion liquid with good clarity.
S: Soured raspberries, oak, yeast, and a hint of vinegar.
T: Moderately sour up front which transitions to a sourdough middle and finishes off with a semi-sweet and somewhat oaky finish.
M: Thin and somewhat watery viscosity and a medium level of fine carbonation.
O: More of a subtle and balanced beer than I had anticipated, the oak flavour really comes through which is nice. Other than the thin viscosity, this is a very nice beer and I hope that more British Columbian brewers continue to branch out into sour styles.
★ 595 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
A: 1/2" tan coloured head over vermillion liquid with good clarity.
S: Soured raspberries, oak, yeast, and a hint of vinegar.
T: Moderately sour up front which transitions to a sourdough middle and finishes off with a semi-sweet and somewhat oaky finish.
M: Thin and somewhat watery viscosity and a medium level of fine carbonation.
O: More of a subtle and balanced beer than I had anticipated, the oak flavour really comes through which is nice. Other than the thin viscosity, this is a very nice beer and I hope that more British Columbian brewers continue to branch out into sour styles.
★ 595 characters
4.7/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Didn't even know this one was coming! Announced on facebook yesterday, picked up a couple bottles today. From the label:
The first in our Bird of Prey Wild Ale series, this sour ale was inspired by a Coopers Hawk that took residence in the brewery for a full 24 hours. Brewed in its honour, this wild ale spent a year conditioning in a mix of American & French oak wine barrels. Tart & funky, this beer can be aged for a very long time, but will be enjoyed now!
Appearance. Pours a lightly hazy, deep amber-orange with half a finger of frothy, pale yellow head.
Smell. Nice sour fruit like green grapes and green apples with a little strawberry. Some red wine vinegar and wood with just enough horse-blanket funk. Nice.
Taste. Tart apples, grapes and a little cranberry followed by plenty of oak and dry wine. Just a little vinegar. Awesome dry, earthy funkiness that lingers a bit ...with the oak ...and the wine. yeah.
Mouthfeel. Just above medium body with fine and lively, medium-low carbonation. Fantastic.
Overall. This is awesome. A really nice sour with full, great flavours. Complex and refined. Another winner from Driftwood.
★ 1,153 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Didn't even know this one was coming! Announced on facebook yesterday, picked up a couple bottles today. From the label:
The first in our Bird of Prey Wild Ale series, this sour ale was inspired by a Coopers Hawk that took residence in the brewery for a full 24 hours. Brewed in its honour, this wild ale spent a year conditioning in a mix of American & French oak wine barrels. Tart & funky, this beer can be aged for a very long time, but will be enjoyed now!
Appearance. Pours a lightly hazy, deep amber-orange with half a finger of frothy, pale yellow head.
Smell. Nice sour fruit like green grapes and green apples with a little strawberry. Some red wine vinegar and wood with just enough horse-blanket funk. Nice.
Taste. Tart apples, grapes and a little cranberry followed by plenty of oak and dry wine. Just a little vinegar. Awesome dry, earthy funkiness that lingers a bit ...with the oak ...and the wine. yeah.
Mouthfeel. Just above medium body with fine and lively, medium-low carbonation. Fantastic.
Overall. This is awesome. A really nice sour with full, great flavours. Complex and refined. Another winner from Driftwood.
★ 1,153 characters
Bird Of Prey from Driftwood Brewery
4.26
out of 5
based on 51 ratings.
Bottle: Poured a reddish color ale with a nice thick foamy head with excellent retention and some good lacing. Aroma of tart notes with some oak and cherry is very pleasant. Taste is a super well balanced mix of tart notes with some oak and cherry with light residual sugar notes with almost no acidity. Body is quite full with good carbonation and no apparent alcohol. That is a world-class Flanders Fed with good level of complexity and perfect level of drinkability.
★ 470 characters