Firestone Walker Brewing Company Feral One
What the brewers say
“An earthy funky nose gives way to notes of dried apricots, strawberry, guava, and orange zest. Toasted oak, lavender, vanilla, and cinnamon lurk in the background. A firm carbonation punctuates the acidity and soft tannins.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Lemon zest and pineapple with a touch of apricot, light apple, and pear. Lacto sour, subdued Brett funk, and a touch of caramel with limited earthy or woody notes.”
Flavor: “Present, but restrained, sourness with a generous serving of Brett fruitiness (more fruity than funky). Moderate peach and pear with a touch of pineapple, lemon or lemongrass notes. Barely there bitterness supports a light, slightly caramel malt body that carries sour and fruit well. The aftertaste has a crisp acidity, touch of sweetness, and fruit notes that linger quite some time.”
Overall: “The light sweetness and moderate acidity back up the fruit notes well. Brett fruitiness, sour acidity, and malt complexity support without stepping on each other. A straightforward wild ale that balances toward lactic sourness with a background funk that keeps things interesting.”
