Okily Dokily
Bellwether Brewing Co.

real mature flanders type, some two years in the barrel apparently, and uniquely spiked with coffee, not sure i have seen that before, but it sold me on it, and its a way cool addition to a style like these. i can always count on these guys for something super unique. they got the ferment part pretty dialed on this, more sour vinegar and fruity character than bretty funk or anything, fully bacterial to me, a little harsh, and with the barrel i get cooking wine, balsamic, and tannins. i love what the coffee adds to this, a deep earthy roast layer deeper than any of the malt brings, but it highlights whats already here, dark bread, raisin, tobacco, really cool. it has a light cocoa nuance, a hint of smoke too, and just a bit of caffeine to it too. i think the bitterness helps with balance, but this is still more acidic than i can drink a lot of. it could use more carbonation, very little head or fizz to this, so its heavy in part because its near still. pretty sweet too, a hint of tart cherry and raspberry vinegar, faint oxidation, whiskey and wine, vanilla, sherry, and old oak. the coffee is warming which is a weird cozy sensation in something this sour, but it works. really clever beer, could be improved slightly with more carbonation or even some bottle conditioning (do these guys even bottle anything?), but overall unique and delicious, autumnal and wintery and super mature. weird and challenging, but fun and yummy too.