Beatrice
Off Color Brewing

375ml bottle, though the label says 750ml, 2022 release, poured into a stemless wine glass.

The beer pours a great burgundy color, garnet and ruby red hues, dark ambers, fairly opaque with a few fizzy bubbles of bone colored head that dissipate immediately and yield no lace or film. The aroma is great, tons of red wine, plenty of earthy grape flesh, tannins, funky oak, leather, jammy stone fruits, and mineral water. The flavors are great, light funk that really amplifies the jammy and fruity nature of the beer, tons of vinous red grape, red currant, mixed berries, dark stone fruits, tannins, leather, earthy oak, mineral water and a hint of bitterness. The mouthfeel is great, coating, smooth, just a hint of lively carbonation with a soft yet full bodied finish that offers a touch of tartness.

Verdict: A deceptively big beer that has an excellent barrel character and tons of red wine influence. The fruit character feels really jammy and there is a wonderful balance.

Dark sanguine crimson in the light, beautiful color. A finger plus of foam that fizzles away in under a minute. Tiny bit of spotty lace, otherwise it looks still like wine.

Aroma is a little odd. Oxidation is front and center, reminds me of an aged BSDA. Savory umami notes of soy and Worcestershire sauces. Spice and old wood. Can’t say I love it, but it’s complex and unique.

Taste is tart and more fruity. Black cherry skins, stewed plums, slight umami again. First sip had some carb, but it ebbs away quickly. Full bodied, vinous, and semi-rich. Slow sipper like a big red wine.

Overall it’s interesting and experimental, well aged like an oxidative wine. It has elements of Oud Bruin and BSDA, and seems like it could use a blend with younger sour beer to give it a little more life and zest.

Thanks to Thomas & Jenny for this one!