Riwaka Foudre Beer
Cloudwater Brew Co.

Pours a hazy orange coloration with a medium, fluffy head. Smells of biscuity malt and citrus/tropical hops, with notes of grapefruit and papaya, as well as just a hint of funk and oak. Taste is an excellent balance of biscuity malt and fruity, slightly floral hops, with citrus and tropical notes of grapefruit, lime peel, papaya and lychee, as well as hints of musty funk and oak, as well as a light underlying tartness. Finishes with a light bitterness and tartness, as well as some grapefruit, lychee and subtle funk lingering in the aftertaste. Effervescent mouthfeel with a medium body and medium/strong carbonation.

I think this makes for a very interesting hybrid beer that feels a bit like a cross between a NEIPA and a Wild Ale with its quite hoppy, juicy character and tart, funky and oaky highlights, with the rather zesty citrus notes standing out here. While I'm not usually a huge fan of "Sour IPA"s, this a clear step above that style, being a lot more complex through the addition of brettanomyces and aging in oak barrels. It really does work quite well, which I didn't really expect, to be honest. While there is a certain overripe, lightly boozy touch to this, it's really not too bad and somehow fits right in here.

Pours a murky orange with soapy head.

Smell is fruity and funky with a slight tartness. Notes of brett, gooseberries, pepper, grapes, white wine and hits of horse blanket and cat piss.

Taste is funky, brettu and peppery. Notes of gooseberries, white wine, oak, citrus and a slight tartness. A bit of hppy bitterness follows, with notes of citrus peel and horse blanket. Some warming alcohol and a lot of complexity.

Mouthfeel is medium with effevescent carbonation.

Overall, a fantastic beer, so much depth of flavor.