“2019 Spring Parlay – Red Ale aged in Apassimento barrels. Spring ushers in an exciting new season of longer days and warmer weather. Cold mornings give way to sun filled days and bright red sunsets. Our Spring parlay is a complex sour ale primary fermented in stainless then aged 8mnths in barrels used to create some of Australia’s finest desert wine. Lambrusco Maestri Apassimento barrels add cocoa and dried fruit complexities along with aromas of leather and tobacco, lactic and acetic acidity.”
Glassware: Teku
Appearance: Deep ruby red with a short head which quickly forms a collar. Pretty decent lacing despite the lack of retention.
Aroma: Smells absolutely divine! It’s overflowing with red berry sweetness yet so nicely countered by tart cherry, currants, red toffee apple and cigar skins. There’s this distinct sophistication to it which is really intriguing…we keep picturing this swanky men’s club decked out with leather chairs and old wooden charm. So much depth and character to this nose.
Flavour: Wow. Flavour explosion! It hits the palate with a sharp yet tempered sourness which quickly moves in to tart cherry and then in to more sweeter berries and currants. It’s then met with a musty dryness which is emphasized by the oak and earthy tobacco and draws out in to the slightly dry and fruity finish.
Mouthfeel: Slightly acidic yet quite meaty…certainly enough there to chew on. The pucker rates a 2.5/5 with the 6.4% ABV well concealed.
Overall: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again these guys would have to be one of the best sour brewers in Australia. We’re loving the depth and complexity to it but most of all…it acts like a good medium bodied red wine at times. Keep it comin DB!