Blackberry Lambic
Flat Branch Pub & Brewery

Presentation: On tap, poured into a stemmed tulip glass, 10oz. This was a one-off brew; it began with a Trappist-style tripel in 2006 and was aged in wine barrels, with blackberry puree added in increments over three years...this brewpub's first lambic...abv% unknown

Appearance: Dark and hazy rose colored brew, a light white ring around the rim of the glass is the only sign of head, but this is still a very natural and attractive looking beer. None of that bright fake pink crap.

Smell: Delightfully funky! This is not going to be one of those fake, sweetish type lambics, this is the real thing, with distinct Brett/Lactic character. There is a bit of sweet dark berry in there as well, quite natural smelling, but a heavy hit of the earthy, horsey wonderful Belgian yeast I was hoping for as well. All in all, very nice.

Taste: Tart funkiness is in the forefront here, as is a bit clearly-defined oak. There's a big hit of natural tart dark berry as well, though it's secondary to the yeastiness and wood. A bit of woodsy tannin on the finish as well, as well as just a ghost of mushroom/earth. Overall, this all blends together beautifully to make for a very tasty, very Belgian, fruit lambic.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, tart, and smooth

Drinkability: High; wish I knew the abv

Conclusion: This is truly an exceptional beer from this brewpub...their beers run from uninspiring to above average to tasty; this is the first awesome beer I've had here. If this is their first attempt at a lambic, bring on some more examples!