Oxbow (2020)

I need GFTW this year. Need it.

 

Fox Farm is the one of the few breweries in New England I have seen that hits or almost hits the mark on several beers styles. I have had better wild ales, NEIPAS, Lager and Stouts, but Fox Farm makes killer examples in all these styles. The only other brewery that I know of in New England that can hit all those marks is Hill Farmstead. There are several that do well in 3/4 or 2/4 of the categories. I have been really impressed by their brewing acumen. I am definitely going to try to visit the next time they have a multi bottle release.

 

From those in the know- Would you choose Coolship Resurgam or Native Wild as an introduction to a beer friend that hasn't had a spon beer before? I have both the beers and a friend who wants to try one. IF he likes the first one, I will open a second, just curious what people think the first one should be, or does it matter? I ask the question because I have not had a Native Wild before. I also have a bottle of Cantillon GCB, but I figure that it too much of a jump.

 

Both beers are so good. I don’t find one more overwhelming than the other (I prefer N/W though). I don’t know their ABV’s off the top of my head, but I would go with the lighter one. Being that they’re both so subtle and balanced and good, you don’t want to miss anything by going bigger abv first.

P.S. Great picks for choices though.

 

It’s the Oxbow thread, but I’d go Resurgam of the two as an introduction. It’s a classic with tremendous pedigree. Plus, it’s a smaller bottle so if they dislike it, less is wasted. Not discounting NW. it’s a fine beer and the first vintage is outstanding.

 

Thanks and to be clear..... Not a damn drop will be wasted- I don't often solo dome these kinds of 750MLs but I will if I have too!

 

I think if you’re into Consecration, you’d be into Ish, Cletus, 3 Barrels Deep, etc. Those all scratch that dark malt/barrel aged wild itch for me. I also wasn’t a fan of Black Light (or Infinite Darkness) for the same reason as you. Their house yeast with dark malt minus barrel aging with the mixed culture comes out a little acrid/astringent. It’s nothing to do with Oxbow as brewers, I’ve felt the same about the dark farmhouse style across the board. I think Brett/barrels/acid tend to soften the dark malts over time.

 

Im also 100% of the mind that tastes change and evolve, not because one flavor is “superior” but because of whatever force drives that. Like a lot of people, I was once very much into 8% double IPAs and those big ass flavors from hop-forward beers (NEIPA and West Coast, the latter of which I’ve always preferred).

Now, it’s very rare a beer over 6.5% is in my fridge and even rarer that that beer is an IPA. Maybe in a year, I’ll be stocked up on dark farmhouse ales and I’ll be wondering why I ever thought I didn’t like them.

 

I had the same thought re: smaller bottle. But strictly on the beer, I'd give the edge to Native Wild. It's one of my favorite Maine beers I've had, ever.

 

@thedaveofbeer, I might have to do those two side by side or blind for Saison Saturday because my general feeling was that I loved the first rendition of Native Wild because it had a ton of the lambic like qualities I enjoy. The more recent batch/blend I had was more funky cheese forward which I get a lot of in Resurgam that I actually don't enjoy. I realized that I had Resurgam rated highly, so I definitely should revisit and confirm my experience/instinct.

 

I absolutely loved the first N/W but haven’t cracked the latest one. I’m questioning my choice yesterday when I opted for the Blue Noir over the estate honey N/W.

 

I’m amazed how many different bottles are available for order! Very prodigious.
Time to hit the trade thread.

 

Random question, has Cavern ever seen a third release? And if so, did it make it into bottles? I believe the answer is no.

 

Yeah. I just spent a few days in Maine and I was like "I'll order a case of 500ml bottles, plus the Crossfade vintage pack." Once I picked out 12 bottles for my case, I was only up to "N" in the alphabet.

 

Hope you grabbed From Beyond. That and Again & Again have been my favorite of my recent Oxbow binge.

 

No GftW this year.

 

Instagram announcement?

 

I asked Tim.

 

Weird that they haven’t publicly announced that.

 

just waiting for an enterprising journalist to do it for them