Cuvée (2022)
Tommie Sjef Wild Ales

Pours a nearly clear yellow-amber with a wisp of foam. Very sharp and acidic on first sip, teeth immediately set on edge. Even the cork smells of vinegar, but there is some unknown fruitiness. There is a touch of sweetness left, but the overall sensation is vinegar. I do not find it drinkable, but some tasters may find interest in the lactic ghost of fruit. This bottle, same 10-01-2022 date as shown in the photo, has the helpful English label but shows ABV as 7.4%. From the 750 capped and corked bottle purchased at The Garden Path.

 

Bottle: Poured a cloudy yellow color ale with a medium size foamy head with limited retention or lacing. Aroma of funky yeast notes with some clear vinous notes, some grapes and tart notes. Taste is also a mix of funky yeast notes, light barnyard with some oak and tart notes with some vinous feel with grapes. Body is about average for style with good carbonation. Well made wild ale but maybe a tad more sour and with light acidity than I wished.

Drank at Bago a Bago, Guarda for my 32th birthday. Poured on a wine glass. The aroma is light but complex with a soothing lambic-style profile but with a light fruity tone from the grapes used.

Flavor wise, it's so complex with so many things going on. The only thing that's probably a bit more prominent than it should for it to make perfect sense is the amount of acidity that is medium-high here but overwhelms a bit all the small, sophisticated and light tones of malt, brettanomyces and wine grapes.

Overall, huge beer.