Barrel 24
Burdock - Kensington Market

all of the beer i had from burdock really impressed me, all of it is so good, inspired, and intriguing, but this one was my favorite of the lot, and really by a considerable margin when i think about it. its more simple than most of them from an ingredient and process standpoint, but is for me easily the most complex in its flavor. it very much presents itself as traditional lambic or gueuze, and really is good enough to have come from any of the notable belgian producers. beyond that, the quality is there too, and this would hold its own against the best lambic types in the world, no kidding. i was so blown away by this, i just sat and smelled it for minutes at a time between sips, its everything i want in the style, and i am shocked this (and the brewery more generally) isnt getting more attention from the nerds and traders. its sort of peach colored, a little hazy and richer looking in body and head than a lot of lambic, but the nose is right on, aged hops, old musty attic oak, and layered farmhouse funk, complex bacterial acidity, and notes of white wine, mellow clove, lemon zest, wet grass, and cut flowers, its both fresh and really mature at the same time, and the flavor matches up with the nose beautifully, and it hits me in waves. i just keep thinking this could be cantillon or drie beer, its got that old world yeast character, this is expertly blended to say the least! notes of white grape and apricot and yellow plum and dandelion and elderflower and wet oak. an early candidate for beer of the year 2018 for me! best beer i had on my toronto trip hands down!

 

Bottle: Poured a hazy pale yellow color ale with a large foamy head with good retention and excellent lacing. Aroma of floral undertones with some light tart notes with some vinous notes is quite nice. Taste is a great mix of floral undertones with some light tart notes with some vinous notes and light oak presence. Boy is full with good carbonation. Enjoyable beer with nice level of complexities and character.

 

 

One of the best Canadian beers I've ever had. Really impressive. Reminds me of Ale Apothecary with a bit of Lambic thrown in for good measure. Amazing barrel notes on this one, sip it slow.