“The release of our 2016 Hedgerow, is the third vintage of this award winning beer, and arguably the finest vintage to date. We’ve sat on it for long enough in both barrel and bottle, and are proud to finally offer it up for release for other beer lovers to thoroughly enjoy! For those that have tried our previous 2012 or 2014 releases, you’ll know what delight you’re in for. For those discovering this beer for the first time, or have developed an appreciation for sour beer since our last release – you’re in for one hell of a ride!”
Glassware: Stemmed tulip.
Appearance: After an almighty battle with the cork we eventually get to see this brown coloured beauty. Pours with little head and hardly any lace as we imbibe.
Aroma: Getting a nose full of oak barrel, vinous notes, strawberry/raspberry, candied lemon, red wine vinegar and mulled wine. The time spent in French oak barrels impart a flutter of vanilla and toasted coconut. Magnificent aroma.
Flavour: There’s a keen sourness that hits and lingers nicely. Surrounding it are the woody and at times musty oak tannins, vinous red wine vinegar, mixed berries, subtle earthy tones and dark chewy fruits. The finish is funky, fruity (in a weird yet wonderful way) and a tad vinegary. Fairly good legs to it as well.
Mouthfeel: Regrettably thin and slightly watery. Very little co2 adding to their woes. In view of that it doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience.
Overall: This is our first entry for this brewery. The aroma was fantastic but unfortunately it didn’t translate in to flavour as convincingly as we’d hoped. Not bad.