Cherries N' Brett
Barbarian Brewing

 

a fully brett fermented golden ale base, done in stainless with a whole mess of tart cherries. i wanted to like this more than i did at the time, it was kind of young, a little stinky and sweaty, and not as well refined as i hoped it would be, but reflecting on it now, its cool that it was different, not generic at all on the fermentation side, and i like how natural the fruit came through. its a little more raw overall than it should be though for these guys, they know what quality beer looks like, and this should be more bubbly and tidy in general, but there is still lots to like. the funk is high, even medicinal with the cherries, some tang here too, definitely some from the fruit, but some from the yeasts it seems too. lemony pucker, but this isnt sharp, if its bacterial at all, that part is way behind the brett. its funky but young to me, weird but underdeveloped, better as it warms, but odd, and i never quite get accustomed to it. the fruit isnt dosed high enough to take over this which is nice, and it stays natural but distinct at the same time, i like that element the best. i want to like this a little more than i do, but its nice to see some funky brett in here instead of the more common kettle souring they do. maybe it will improve with age, but i hope its just another step in their learning process, not enough good beer in this style here in idaho yet, so i am happy they are pursuing it...