Varonna - Gin Barrel-Aged
Fox Farm Brewery

 

 

 

Batch 1, bottle 2/2002. 750 ml bottle served in a flute. Pours a straw gold with a loose bright white head that settles into a tight, 1/8th inch cap. Clarity is slightly hazy. Nose is lovely - light, buttery, toasted oak with a hint of citrus (most likely lemon). Taste follows nose with a kiss of earthy/vegetal at the finish (not in a bad way). Mouthfeel is light in body with a spritzy carbonation and a lively acidity. Overall, this beer is delightful and nuanced and has held up well for the abv.

This one pours a golden mostly clear yellow color, with a small head, and lots of lacing.

This smells like strawberry, white grape, juniper, oak, floral funk, and fresh grassiness.

Gin barrels just work wonders farmhouse ales and wild ales in general – this gives off such a nice sweet berry and tart grape character, with the typical botanical like flavors – juniper, lemongrass, citrus, etc. There’s some oak and white wine like characteristics, with a wonderfully fresh and floral flavor overall.

This is light bodied, clean, and super drinkable, with a great smooth and lightly tart finish.

This is one of the better saisons I’ve had yet from Fox Farm – I’m a sucker for gin barrel anything.

Appearance: Cloudy, gold. Thin white head, moderate retention.

Aroma: Very funky, a little dank & sour. Didn't detect any barrel aromas.

Flavor: Sour note hits you right away. No bitterness. No barrel, gin or Zinfandel flavors.

Mouth feel: Medium body, slick. Low carbonation

Overall: Wow, this was really different. Funky and sour. The interesting thing is the brewery description says it was aged in gin barrels previously used for Zinfandel wine. Neither Gin or Zin characteristics jump out at me. The sour, yeasty notes seem to overwhelm everything else. Give'em an A for effort.