Shroud
Odious Cellars

Pale pastel yellow with an opaque haze, thin layer of foam that deflates to a patchy skim.

Odd aroma of Brett-derived plastic phenols, cereal grains, a hint of tropical Nelson hops obscured by the former traits.

Taste is better, lemony citric tartness, a flash of candy wafer sweetness, floral and grainy, drying Brett lingers along with a mild bitterness. Very light bodied, quenching with a dry finish.

Overall, it doesn’t feel quite as cohesive and melded as it could be. Aroma is a little odd initially. Not as strong as their other releases.

Bought at the Beer Temple, Shroud is my 5th unique ale from this two year old. I want to like them. But, I am a traditional Euro-Saison head... so all this mixed culture stuff is work for me to get used to and understand enough to appreciate. But I'm trying because it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks... particularly when you reward him with a fine ale.

Shroud Looks like its name: seems to be hiding something; not much foam, not an active swirling yeast (muted by that mixed culture stuff) and, generally, not exciting to look at. Rate it at my average. However Smells improve, offering a nice citrus. Tastes follow refreshingly and are balanced with just enough tart to be interesting; but not too much to overpower. Light to medium-mouthed. I might have Shroud again as an aperitif or with summer fare. It worked today at lunch and tonight with leftover pasta and red sauce; indicating table versatility... a key point for Euro-Saison Heads.

I'm impressed by Odious' website and its sometimes exquisite artwork, very sophisticated for a two year old. I wish Odious well in repurposing the Armitage theatre (I live two blocks from Armitage, albeit further east.). But, the best advice I can give is to restart the venture with a more appetizing name than Odious. A Sante' !