Epic Brewing Oak and Orchard Blueberry, Boysenberry & Black Currant
What the brewers say
“Aged in red-wine casks with blueberry, boysenberry, and black currants. Bright floral aroma with a flavor explosion of fruit complexity, jam, and sourness finished with Brettanomyces funk.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Boysenberry and blueberry up front, with a fair amount of isoamyl acetate and banana. Light Band-Aid and spiciness, with barnyard, hay, and earthiness from the funk. Wood brings some depth, and the fruits are dark, deep, and indistinct.”
Flavor: “Fruit-flavor layers on top, bringing in flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, and bananas. With the high acidity and sourness, the effect is almost wine-like. Funky and earthy, with spices, esters, and a touch of malt sweetness. A dry finish, with a nice lingering note of currant in the aftertaste.”
Overall: “Really enjoyable balance of the fruit and esters, with an acidity that’s present without being overpowering. The Brett funk adds complexity, and the woody notes and dark fruity add the deeper base notes. It’s sweet without being too sweet, and the experience is wonderful all around.”
