Bramble
Funkwerks

its crazy that i see more cool funkwerks beers in minnesota than i do in colorado. it probably shouldnt be like that, but it is. this is a neat dark saison, done with blackberries and brett and aged in bourbon barrels, one of the more ambitious brews i have seen from these guys in awhile. the color is deep ruby red to purple, with a cocoa hued brown depth and a small off white head. it smells great, jammy and sweet from the fruit, strong and woody from the whiskey, and a bit more tart than anticipated, faint red wine vinegar here and a bit of the bretty funk, not crazy mature or anything. the flavor is nice, the blackberries lost a little bit to the darker malt, some chocolate and toasted properties there, the fruit ends up a sweetener more than a flavorer, but thats okay i like what it adds. the bourbon is nice, some sweetness here too though, vanilla and honey, strong oak but not a ton of char. lots of body, a little warmth, and more acidic than it needs to be but quite unique overall and pretty balanced for how much is going on. more fruit comes out as it warms, more wood as well, this opens up really nicely. overall a fun and interesting beer from these guys, a neat twist on the dark saison, i will buy this when i see it again.

 

Color is a lovely red + amber = orange. Modest foam in the glass but quite lively on the tongue. This tastes very dry at first sip. Then the acidic sensation takes over. But finally, after some sipping, the fruit comes through.

Flavors of blackberry, but too much of the seeds, with a touch of Concord grape. There is not really any taste of Saison. I would call it an American Wild Ale and I would rate it higher as such. Sharp mouthfeel and astringent edge. Decent berry fruit but that gets submerged in the bitterish, murky funk.

This does seem like it's more sourish than it should be if it was just brettanomyces. It actually doesn't taste as much of brett to me. From the 750 ml bottle purchased at Grapevine Liquor in Denver.

 

 

 

 

On tap so limited notes. Dominated by blackberry in the aroma and taste, with some light funky farmhouse notes. Much, much more sour than expected. I know there is Brett and sour blackberries added, but seems as if there should be lacto as well. Excellent.