The Haunt Of
Orpheus Brewing

Pours a bright orange, fully translucent, with modest fizzing that leaves only a tiny rim of bubbles on the edge of the glass. Very expressive chardonnay minerality, moderately high funk, green apple and honey on the nose. I love the addition of honey to a wine barrel-aged blend, which does give a nice impression of a mead/lambic hybrid. Full bodied and smooth, more so than expected, even. Very unique and impressive.

 

A little bit old, a little bit less old, Orpheus combines both two-year and four-year ales brewed with local honey for a spontaneous, complex and highly unique taste.

The Haunt Of pours nearly still and with a burnt orange, goldenrod tint. A curious scent of bruised fruit, honysuckle and sea air bring brine-like earthiness to the nose along with floral, sweet and souring scents. Past the pungent perfume rests an initial taste of honey, wafer and sourdough in a musty, bready and marginally sweet upstart that's just as curious as its aroma.

As the ale rolls along the middle palate, the fruit flavors unfold on the tongue with strong impressions of sweet white wine, over-ripened orange, nectarine and apricot. Dried fruit flavors of lime, apple and grapefruit bring a leathery character to its taste with the musty nuttiness of weathered woods and peppery balance. A late taste of fortified wines and sherry-soaked dates keep the earthy sweetness and peppery sourness teasing the tastebuds.

Medium bodied, but somewhat full for sour ale, the lambic-like stillness has the ale feeling flat, smooth and somewhat weighted. Finishing with the earthiness of cellar-like woods and vinous spice, The Haunt Of extends with a medium-length extension of those bruised fruits and briny balance.