Monster Pineau
Brasserie Hespebay

33 cl bottle, screaming yellow waxed top, poured into a snifter, slightly chilled, in Toulouse, France.
The brewery calls this a ‘lightning beer’.
Short burst of beige foam tops amber brew.
Nose is almost cognac, a sour note wafts in.
Taste is winy, rye reinforces the middle tones. This beer has been aged for a few months in a very old Pineau des Charentes barrel, and the oak is quite present. There’s a musky, almost barnyard element involved. Dry boozy finish that’s a bit sweet, yet it’s balanced and warm.
Mouth is light to medium, high carbonation.
Overall, we reveal a little madeleine hiding drunkenly within a wine barrel, smoking rye.