Hibiscus Farmhouse
White Elm Brewing Company

Can: a straightforward beer with hibiscus in nose and taste, but it’s missing a strong base. Solid but unexciting, farmhouse specifically lost to me.

 

Look - Deep red purple color. Once settled one couldn't be faulted for thinking they were holding a glass of red wine. A ephemeral white head with little lacing.

Smell - The top notes are very floral with a pronounced sea salt smell. The heart is that of wine, decay, must, significant spice, raisins. This is not surprising as apparently this beer is aged in old wine casks.

Smell - Very dry with plenty of funk that one would expect from a saison. The alcohol is immediately obvious, like a chardonnay which again is the predominant flavor. From here one can taste plums to granny smith apple, a bit of grapefruit peel, cloves and a bit of szechuan pepper corns (this might be from the slight bitterness). The aftertaste is actually one of the most delicious I've encountered everything else fades suddenly and the only flavor left behind is of a golden delicious apple picked straight from the tree. The warming of the alcohol serves to remind one of how the sun warms fruit on a cloudless day. This experience is an amazing one.

Feel - Medium mouthfeel that fades to light. Very little carbonation left after the head dies. Not slick at all, maybe powdery, but crisp.

Overall - I didn't like this beer when I took my first sip, I thought it tasted like communion wine and I was ready to chug the rest like boxed wine in a game of slap the bag. However as the beer warmed up it released a very complex flavor profile. Let this beer come to nearly room temperature (62-65F) and be amazed by what happens.

 

Had this on tap and right away it was looking good with a rich Mahogany color going on, not a lot of head but it left solid lace. The aroma was nice and held some Hibiscus in the Farmhouse profile and the 7.50 % ABV didn't show up to spoil the scent of this brew, it also didn't show up in the taste either. This was one mighty fine tasting beer with spicy hints and a touch of clove and the tang of Hisbiscus worked well and made this a great sipping Ale, medium mouthfeel let you know you were drinking something that was standing up to be noticed. Not a lot of carbonation and the higher ABV make this one a beer to watch because it could sneak up on you fast....I really enjoyed this on tap and I hope it tastes as good if they can or bottle this.