Violet De Mer
de Garde Brewing

Cracked one of these open in October 2018.

Pours a color a bit darker than violet, but along those lines. Everyone else's pictures of the same beer have more head than mine, lighter shade of purple head, pinkish thrown in, 1/4" at its peak height. Aroma hits the blackberry jam notes (ah I made it several hundred reviews since I last said jammy). Has a back end of the nose that is evocative of red wine barrel.

Taste imparts the usual fruit and oak interaction, brett character is strong, chewy, additional 'where did that fruity note' come from feels. Something else is going on, and the previous reviewer's umami comment was unexpected, but upon reflection, I think I know what he/she is talking about. It does have that light broth bitter hit that while pretty mild compared to everything else, it is there. Sour power is the normal range for de garde, and it does have the usual dry back end to the mouth feel. While not as good as your average de garde beer, it is still better than your average wile ale to be certain.

 

 

 

 

This one just did not sit right with me. There is a vinous, umami like flavor that i just cant get past that dominates the flavor. As this wasnt aged in wine barrels (per the label) its odd that it has this taste. Really detracts from the beer. Its less fruit forward than other fruited degardes, but still a pleasant amount of raspberries. Acidity is medium for my palate.