Buzzards Bay Farmhouse Reserve Ale

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 7

This beer, when poured into my large Tripel Karmeliet Tulip, produces a three finger thick, light tan colored head. The beer has an interesting, purple stained, red plum color and shows a hazy, light cherry color when held up to the light (I would guess the cabernet barrel has significantly reddened this beer up). The aroma is a nice mix of funky-farmhouse cheese notes and oak aromatics, with a fruity note that ties the two together. Aromas of apricot scented chanterelle mushrooms, oaky butterscotch, a lightly spicy / pepper oak note, light barnyard musk, damp-molding wood, a touch of sharpness associated with blue cheese and an expressive fruit character that reminds me of dark berries, a light jam like quality, some blackberry notes, a slight cherry scent, basically a solid cabernet influence has leached into this beer. I really like how the barrel has contributed both fruit and oak aromatics here, both significantly, but not overwhelmingly. The wild funk is really hitting some nice notes as well, the aroma is not overly phenolic, but instead has a solid Brettanomyces contribution that melds quite well with the fruit and accentuates the oak character. There is definitely a wonderful nose on this brew.

Light and a bit fizzy at it first hits my mouth, the beer is incredibly dry and correspondingly light bodied. The oak though adds some structure to the body, with a tannic quality that provides a bit of creaminess and some teeth coating oak notes. The oak contributes a substantial spiciness that leans towards woody pepper notes, as well as a Bourbon like spicing. As my palate gets used to the dryness, the fruit character starts to come out to play; without really picking up any sweetness I notice notes of blackberries, ripe cabernet grapes and tannic berry skins. This finishes with a bit of heat from the oak, and perhaps a hint of alcohol as well (I really wish I knew how strong this beer is, pale ale sounds light, but you never know, & the final assesment was that I felt this was near 8% at least). Flavors of tart plum, a touch of sherry & port and hints of pear. This is not overly tart, in fact it has only a light lactic sourness to it; it is enough to anchor the beer, but it plays second fiddle to the oak and fruit notes. Not quite as funky in the flavor as it is in the aroma; it is more musty than anything.

I really like how much character this picked up from the Cabernet; this really has picked up an incredible fruit character from the barrel, in fact if not for the wine notes, this beer would be unbalanced due to the oak character that was picked up during its rest. Definitely a complex, interesting beer, but I can't help wishing for a bit more tartness ;-)

Aroma: 6 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

This ale pours a medium orange gold color from a 750ml bottle. Medium sized white foamy head. The aroma is malt, some oak and some citrus. A medium bodied ale. The malts are fruity and sweet, lots of orange and spices. A touch of funk. Very smooth taste, with a touch of alcohol bite. Interesting beer. I can taste the barrel influence, but don’t get a lot of funk. Mouthfeel is full. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly sweet.