“A very European styled, barrel aged amber beer. Baed on our Lapin and then barrel aged for 6 months in an ex-port barrel. The barrel still contained about 30 litres of port lees, so this beer has developed some vines complexities, the ageing has soften the hops, and whilst starting a beautiful amber colour at the top, the beer becomes redder and more vines towards the end. For lovers of farmhouse beers, we can confidently say that this in one of the most beautiful beers you will ever have.”

Before we start this review we just have to say how cool this bottle is. Very regal-looking and somewhat styled on the chimney shaped bottle of the Crown Ambassador. Once we toiled through the removal of the wax cap we served it in to a beer tulip. It pours to a bright amber, almost bronze tone with excellent clarity. An effervescent two and a half finger head forms before reducing to a thin film over the top. Not a great deal of lacing but enough to leave a few trails. The aroma is quite unique, very floral with a kind of rosé quality to it. Hibiscus and elderflower as well as roses spring to mind. We also detect a tangy accent in here too but not of the citric type it’s more like a delicate cherry tartness. Kind of dry and woody too with a hint of oak coming through. A little spicy, a little cidery. A certain complexity to it that’s for sure. In the mouth it offers a slightly dry texture. Light on with less Co2 than we were expecting. A subtle astringency forms midway, similar to an ABV (6%) burn but in this case more like how tannins feel in a wine. An effect we’re sure they achieved from the barrel aging process. The palate is just as complex as the aroma. Very floral, tangy, a little phenolic and a touch of spice to boot. We like how the sweet rosé-like flavours are balanced by this slightly tart cherry character. A subtle touch of oak develops late delivering a dry and well drawn out finish. Extremely distinctive beer this one. Different to all the other BDG’s we’ve tried. Really complex and would actually go well as an appertif or as a dessert beer. We’re pleasantly surprised.