Perennial Artisan Ales Abraxas 2016

__Aroma:__ “Lactic tartness and fleshy blueberry sweetness. There’s a lemon citrus or lemongrass herbal thing as well. Some *Brett* funk and subtle floral notes.” __Flavor:__ “As in the aroma, there’s lots of intense dark fruit, blueberry, and cherry along with lemon and lemongrass. The lactic and blueberry sweetness are very rich and well blended. Tannins (probably from the fruit) help round things out and make you want another sip. Finishes dry.” __Overall:__ “An interesting mix of dark intense fruit and light lemony acidity, which is strong but not over the top. Very drinkable! Well-balanced with nice berry flavors, sour, and tannic qualities.”

**Aroma:** “Bourbon, vanilla, oak, dark chocolate, coconut, molasses, coffee, and a touch of licorice. Cherry, raisin, plum. Strong malt sweetness. Open and bold whiskey/bourbon–barrel notes. Definitely leans more toward the barrel than the base beer. Inviting mild sherry oxidation with a bit of cardboard.” **Flavor:** “Flavor delivers on the nose: intense barrel notes, with the chocolate and vanilla turned up to eleven. Sweet cherry and raisin/dark fruit blend well with the barrel. Great mix of mild phenols, evocative esters, and alcohol warmth. Nice sherry character.” **Overall:** “The barrel is strong with big vanilla and bourbon, complemented by cherry fruitiness that pulls it together. A wonderful sipper, and an amazing example of what a barrel can impart to a beer in the hands of a talented and deft brewer. More, please!”

**Aroma:** “Chocolate and tartness battle for dominance, with a slight edge to tartness. Nice roasted malt notes. Some sweet and tart lactic acidity. Some cocoa and coffee. Acetic and cherry, wild _Brett_ aromas.” **Flavor:** “Semisweet and dark chocolate notes quickly overtaken by a tart acidity. Nice sweet malt character with some good roasty toast notes from the malt. Lactic lemon-like acidic flavor adds sweet and sour notes and complexity. Some funky earthy wood quality adds to the scope of the beer. Dry throughout due to bugs chewing through anything that makes a stout thick and rich.” **Overall:** “Great sour stout that has a surprising amount of chocolate flavor to pair with the tartness and acidity. The malty sweetness, chocolate, and roast blend great with the funky, earthy, lactic, and lemon sourness, but this will be a polarizing beer.”