Epic Elder Brett Saison-Brett Golden Ale

'Tis the season for Brett!... or something. The Brett I'm referring to isn't a person, but a strain of wild yeast that normally lives on the skins of fruit. Its full name, Brettanomyces, is Greek for "British fungus". Who knew such a wretched-sounding thing could make beer taste so good?

Also, it's not really Brett season. It just so happens that I've had access to such brews as of late. Wild yeast FTW!

Epic Elder Brett Saison-Brett Golden Ale

BG Poured from a 22 fl oz (650ml) bottle into a stemmed tulip, 9.1% ABV, Release #7, Brewed 11/02/14, Bottled 11/24/14

A Golden yellow in color with little to no foam. It’s brilliantly clear. 

A Oh, yeah! There’s that mouth watering Brettanomyces again! Tart green apples, golden honey, bread crust, peary, lemon zest, hint of sweet stone fruit.

T This is much more gentle than what I was bracing myself for. But it’s nice! I wasn’t zapped in the face by a sour lightning bolt. This is slightly tart, not sour. Tart apples and pears wash over the palate and make way for buttery chardonnay and crusty honey wheat bread. There’s a touch of spiciness, and a little grainy. The finish has a steady umami quality, and also reminds me of Sauvignon Blanc.

M Slightly waxy, moderately high carbonation, medium-light body

A Strong diacetyl and green apples

C This tastes closer to an effervescent white wine more than any beer I’ve ever had. Seriously, is EPIC playing a trick on all of us? Is this wine instead of beer? I would love to see what people think of this in a blind tasting. It’s really enjoyable and light. 

FP Bruschetta. Broccoli and brie stuffed chicken on a bed of polenta with a red wine ju and kalamata olives. Shortbread cookies.