\Dreamy Thing (Chardonnay Barrel-Aged)
Cerebral Brewing

 

after a year or so in the cellar it was time to bust this one out. the barrel treatment is prominent here in both the aroma and the flavor, a particularly attractive edition to what appears to be an already excellent beer. its white grape fruity and oak tannic and winey too, smells and tastes a little stronger than its listed at, although i cant confirm that it actually is. subtle elderflower and white peach notes from the wine barrel in the aroma, still some hops to this, citra seeming, and then a nice mix of yeast characteristics including saisony funk and fruity belgian tones, both of which come through overwhelmingly in the flavor, it tastes mature on the brett side and also bright and fresh, a neat dualism here, yum. the hops taste a little faded, but the funkiness more than makes up for it and there is still some finishing bitterness. i wish it was a little carbonated, but i really like everything else about it. some vanilla in the wood profile, natural and delicate, great with the funky aspect of this. smooth in feel, maybe some starchier elements in this mash, tough saying with the barrel so involved as well. this barrel treatment was just right for this base beer, and this continues a trend, which is that every bottle cerebral has released has been fantastic in my experience. these guys are near the top of the heap in denver right now, thats for sure. this is dynamite, but might not hold up a whole lot longer in the cellar, so drink it fairly soon i would think...