Barrel-Aged Brett 24-2 Stock Ale
Blindman Brewing

Bottle: Poured a deep copper color ale with a medium size foamy head with limited retention and light lacing. Aroma is a mix of caramelized malt notes with some wet leather notes of Brett.Taste is also a mix of wet leather Brett notes with some dry caramelized notes and some tartness. Body is about full with good carbonation. OK but the un-Bretted beer may have been better.

 

This one pours crystal clear and a deep amber color, sort of leather brown with ruby highlights. It gave me 2 fingers of rocky, cream colored head with very good retention.

The aroma is complicated, intense, and inviting. I can definitely smell the tartness of the brett. This is followed immediately by deep, leathery woodiness. Hints of vanilla combined with alcoholic spiciness follow soon behind. All of this ties itself together with aromas of caramel, nuttiness, and gentle fruit esters in the form of figs and dates.

My first sip reveals some very intriguing flavors. Again, I taste the spicy funkiness of Brettanomyces being used. Barrel aging makes its presence known with elements of wood and leather. Dates add their presence to the caramel and nuts you might expect in a beer of this type. The finish offers both a bracing bitterness and pleasantly lasting dryness before fading into the distance.

It is delightful in its richness and complexity. I am impressed how a beer of this type can have these deep, complex flavors and not be overpowering. It's incredibly drinkable and what's more, enjoyable. This is what I imagined the English old ales would taste like back when they were blending porters in the pubs.

Pours a nice clear ruby amber colour with finger and a half of light tan to off white head.
Aroma clearly accents the Brettanomyces yeast, woody, toffee, slightly fruity and funky with earthy hops.
Tastes initially slightly sweet floral, touch of caramel, berry tartness follows with the funkiness of the Brett, oaky notes - vinous, with the earthy hop bitter/tartness finishing.
Medium full mouthfeel with decent carbonation with a brief touch of creaminess then leaving with a finishing funky tartness.

Aged in old Heaven Hill bourbon barrels.

Appearance - Pours an amber copper with two fingers of bubbly white head.

Smell - brett yeast, oak, hint of barrel, earthy, leafy, and floral hops, bready malts, cherries, and caramel.

Taste - brett yeast upfront followed by the oak, and hint of barrel. The cherries, earthy, leafy, and floral hops follow suit. The bready malts and caramel finish off the brew.

Mouthfeel - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Finishes tart with elements of the barrel slightly lingering.

Overall - A brew that displays the brett yeast and tart cherries to a tee. However, I wish there was a bit more oomph from the barrel as the brett yeast and tart cherries take dominance in this one. Not a bad thing though. A pleasant tipple on this ominous evening here in Cowtown.