Oak-Aged Elderberry Dark Ale
Olvalde Farm and Brewing Company

a really interesting brew, although i have to state right up front that this is far from the best beer i have had from these guys, and seems somewhat underwhelming in the context of all the awesome and unique beers they make. dark brown to purple stained in the glass, this looks a little flat but has quite an interesting color complexion, obviously stained by the fruit. astringent in the nose, almost presents itself as a sour ale, but i am pretty certain its all from the elderberry, which has a medicinal and concentrated drying tang to it, dark and healthful to me, nice with the darker grains in here, and with a fragrant saison type yeast strain at work as well, really different, a little overly complex. the flavor is a lot of the elderberry, almost a concentrate or a juice mix or something, still natural, just really loaded. some definite acidity in here, but again it seems fruit derived. a cocoa and chateau malt complexion underneath the fruit, and a heaviness i wasnt expecting, owing partly to poor carbonation. this seems earthy and organic and interesting, but it doesnt really fit well into any particular style category, and is a hard be to fully understand as i drink it. flavorful and intriguing, but not as compelling as almost all the rest of the beers i have had from these guys in the past...