Savage Oak - Gold
Imperial Oak Brewing

2020 release and FOBAB medalist

16.9oz bottle poured into a tulip glass shows a cloudy, yellow, gold body and briefly supports a 1" head of mixed bubbles that disappears and leaves a clean glass behind.

Funky lacto is the dominant aroma with hints of old damp shoes and a tart, sour fruit.

Flavor begins with funk, lemon citrus, and wet oak followed by a tart peach and apricot note.

A medium feeling body, likely due to oats, provides support for the tartness, allowing the body to linger on the palate through the funky, sour, tart transfomation, drying, yet the carbonation, short of nose-tickling, helps to keep it moving. An acidic burn remains on the back end just to get your attention.

Overall a nice crisp, funky, oak aged, golden ale. Perfect with a blt for lunch.

500 ml bottle into a tulip glass. Bottled 7/19/18, had 7/31/18.

Pours a hazy golden color, with a one inch foamy head and slippery, soapy lacing. Aromas of Belgian yeast, Brett, funk, some oak, light malt, light apricot, a little bread. Smells somewhat tart and sour, a fruity and lightly spicy aroma. Flavors of Belgian yeast, Brett, funk, wheat, malt. Lesser amounts of spices, apricot, strawberries, oak, lemon. A little vanilla, and a hint of cherries. Tastes somewhat tart and sour. Smooth, well carbonated, a very good light to medium body.

The IO guys really nailed this one. Lots of Brett and funk, a nice level of sourness, complex overall. And as a bonus, it retains a Belgian identity. Really solid effort.