Carnival Prize
Werk Force Brewing Co

375 ml bottle into a tulip glass. Had 5/26/22.

Pours a pinkish light brown, a little cloudy, with a half inch foamy head and some slippery foamy lacing. Aromas of white wine, blueberries, some oak, light Belgian yeast, a little bit of a tart aroma. Flavors of white wine, oak, malt, blueberries, a little funk. Tastes lightly tart, with some earthy bitterness on the finish. Smooth, a good lighter body that’s a little thin, appropriately carbonated on the low side.

The wine barrels and blueberries are terrific, and the thinness isn’t a big deal. Nicely constructed. A solid effort.

I love this as a fruited saison that isn't going too sour, nor too funky, after how prevalent kettle sours have become in recent years. By contrast, this is delicate and complex, with excellent blueberry presence that often gets lost in more tart or sour wild ales. Good oak barrel character, with light minerality from the chardonnay. All that said, there is some notable yogurt tang I associate with lacto, and more fruit expression than blueberry and pomegranate; I get some peach and black raspberry as well, possibly from the wine. Very well put together.

Thanks to Bill for this one!

Dark purplish orange-red, thin layer of foam that fades quickly, spotty lace.

Aromas associated with fresh oak like dill and timber, mixed berry yogurt, faint Brett funk. Vinous fruit flavors, getting more blackberry than distinct blueberry. Lactobacillus, berry yogurt, mild tartness, oaky dill note. Body is a little thin with light carbonation. Could use a little more depth but it tastes and smells great. The barrel presence and fruit are both assertive, would drink this again.