“Out of the Woods, inspired by and infused with the New Zealand forest. Ten different malts create a dark complex malt base, infused with totara rimu and manuka, fermented with a mixture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Brettanomyces in an open topped wooden fermenter, then barrel aged for over two years, before being given another infusion of Kawa Kawa. The result balances tartness with rich malt notes and bursts with complex, earthy, herbal, woody character. An utterly unique beer, brewed in collaboration with Cigar City’s inimitable Wayne Wambles.”
Glassware: Stemmed tulip.
Appearance: Dark brown…almost black! It forms a thumb of tan foam that holds its shape and weaves a fine lace down the walls of the glass.
Aroma: Super complex and very unique. Out first thoughts are Galliano, dried eucalyptus and sour cola lollies. It just keeps on evolving too, offering up hints of nutmeg, oregano, pine, aniseed/fennel, forest floor, black tea, damp wood, rotting leaves and cardamom. Sheesh! The olfactory’s have been taken on a trip. We’d admit we’re a little envious as we can’t even leave NSW!
Flavour: Holy shit what have we got here. The palate is scrambling trying to isolate one certain flavour. Getting all types of licorice (aniseed, fennel, Galliano) and that’s the main taste. Behind it? Well let’s go: spicy black tea, damp tree bark, forest floor, nutmeg, vines, kombucha, gum nut and acorn. What the hell is this?!
Mouthfeel: Light on, mildly acidic, well rounded. Where is the 10.9% ABV?? Totally hidden.
Overall: We’re actually lost for words…we don’t even know what we’ve just drunk. Trust GP. And the fact they teamed up with a brewery as highly regarded as Cigar City also speaks volumes.